The damage is many times not realized immediately but may take four to six months before symptoms occur. This stress and drought damage may make the plant more susceptible to dieback diseases caused by a number of fungi. Chemical control is limited and back to the basics management is recommended. Provide adequate irrigation for the plant. Prune properly to remove damaged limbs if dieback occurs.
Slime flux is common following periods of drought.
In most cases the flux is noticed the spring following the drought. Damage is caused by the drought stress and bacteria and yeast infect the cambium feeding on the carbohydrates in the sap. High pressures develop as in fermentation and the result is the exuding of these plant juices from damaged areas in the bark. Provide the best possible growing conditions for the plant during the drought and after. Once the problem is identified there are no pesticides that will provide controls.