Peeing Trees?

Remember the big crape myrtle trees in the courtyard of the frat house at State? More specifically do you remember the tiny drops of water always falling from the trees?

I have several of these trees in my backyard now and theres one thing for sure...I avoid standing under them like the plague now after reading this article from the Austin American-Statesman:

I have a crape myrtle in my backyard that is always releasing tiny droplets of water, almost like it is sweating, even when it is very hot and dry. Is this a problem? If so, is there anything I can do to save it? - B.D.

In the words of horticulturist Skip Richter, Travis County extension director with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, "Get one of those little umbrellas to put in your
iced tea." The droplets are a normal, natural occurrence for this time of year, but they're not tree sweat — they're insect urine. Bugs are sucking the sap from your tree and releasing the extra moisture.

No need to panic, says Wizzie Brown, entomologist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. These insects, typically soft-bodied creatures such as scale insects, aphids, whiteflies or hoppers, do not typically congregate in large enough numbers to cause major damage to your tree. Natural and synthetic pesticides are available if you feel
your tree is in danger, but be sure to make sure the product is appropriate for trees, Brown warns.

Who knew we were all into yellow discipline?