Spread a thin layer of Tree Tanglefoot to the band. Encourage you neighbours to band together to keep your neighbourhood green. These insect are aphids, and they are commonly found on trees, shrubs and flowers. Aphids come in many colours such as green, yellow, brown, pink or black. They are soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant leaves or roots.
Aphids excrete a sugary substance called honeydew on the leaves which can cause sooty mold.
You can control aphids on small trees, shrubs and flowers by frequently hosing plants with high water pressure. Hosing your plants knocks most of these insects off and kills many of them. If you have a severe aphid infestation, mix one to two tablespoons of dishwashing soap to one gallon of water. Spray this mixture in the evening and rinse the plant thoroughly the next morning. Some plants may be sensitive to the soap.