Little black bugs

Question: I have these little black specks on the back of my small apple trees. I have sprayed them with House and garden and also with NEEM oil and dish soap solution. Nothing seems to help. What are they and what can I do to get rid of them/

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 16, 2023, 1:07 PM EDT
response: The pictures are not in focus so identification is difficult.  If you put the leaf on a flat surface for the picture you have a better chance for a clearer picture.    The distribution is typical of aphids, but black aphids are not usually found on apple leaves--typically they are green or sometimes light purple.  Killed aphids can dry up and turn black.  Plus, some of the dark specks are irregular shaped like various pieces of dirt.  With better pictures we can provide a better diagnosis.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 16, 2023, 6:55 PM EDT
response: That is not dirt on the leaves. The leaves are curled by what ever that is on the them. It is pretty much on new growth they attack

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 17, 2023, 9:07 AM EDT
response: Thanks for the additional picture.  You may need to find a higher resolution smart camera to get a photo with enough detail to enlarge.   However, I am reasonably sure these are aphids and likely dead.  If you poke the masses and they do not move, they are dead either due to beneficial insects or your treatment.  Your spray treatment are not systemic, so that only the insects you actually touch with the spray will be affected.  So there may be aphids curled up in the leaves that escape.  Usually, beneficial insects will eventually find these escapees and wipe them out.  Other leaves will grow to eventually replace the curled leaves.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 19, 2023, 10:01 AM EDT
response: I have had these on my trees for 2 years what can I do to get rid of them? Seven did not work HOUSE AND GARDEN did not work and the Neem oil does not work. I am living in a different place than last year the trees are in pots. The  bugs have always been black no other color including the first time I saw them. Tyke trees are starting to look stressed.

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 19, 2023, 4:36 PM EDT
response: I am sorry, but the focus on your latest picture is not good enough for me to zoom in to identify your black spots.  The Midland Extension office secretary has offered to take pictures if you bring her some good samples.  She will be in the office on June 26th.  If you like, you can call her on that day to arrange the picture taking.  She is: Kellie Bodrie Secretary Michigan State University Extension  Email: <personal data hidden> | Cell phone:<personal data hidden> Midland County Office (Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday from 8:30a to 4:30p – CLOSED for lunch from 12-1) 220 W. Ellsworth St. Midland, MI 48640 Phone:<personal data hidden>  Thanks

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 22, 2023, 9:52 AM EDT
response: The first image with the stripes is a bug I found in my house they fly around on occasion.The second  image is the bugs on the apple trees. . The trees are starting to look stressed. What can Ido to get rid of both these bugs/

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 23, 2023, 11:32 PM EDT
response: The fly in the picture is a fungus fly, also called a fungus gnat.  These are common in potting soil, harmless to humans.  Yellow sticky board traps, available at hardware stores are a safe way that generally work.  Apple cider vinegar + a few drops of dish soap detergent in a shallow dish also may work. The other insect is an aphid, likely a black cherry aphid.  Direct insect sprays contacting the insects generally work. It may take several treatments over a week or two as it is difficult to hit all of the insects with one application.  Materials such as the active ingredient Imidacloprid that are labeled for aphids should do the job if you get good coverage.