What is this on my Sambucus!?

[Thismummyrunstheshow]

Just had a quick trim up due to suddenly shooting out in all directions and noticed this on each branch in specific areas!

The branches I've put in the bin have obviously disturbed and little pesky bugs are crawling around.

ID help needed!

More

aphids

Yep, aphids. Not all aphids are green. My elder tree has similar crusts of the disgusting things all over the branches. I put up with it because at least they're busy ruining something I'm not particularly attached to rather than my tomatoes and roses (there are little green fuckers on those though)

make up a spray bottle of soapy water and spray no need for chemicals

Or you can buy tubs of ladybird larvae to unleash on the little bastards.

Or you can put on some Marigolds and squish the fuckers......

Oh Lordy. Little gits. Been looking at them on Google for a longer time than is probably healthy.
Quite like the thought of them being eaten as part of the food chain so will definitely be avoiding chemicals.
I wondered yesterday why we kept having starlings in that part of the garden as we never normally do.

@MrsBertBibby Really! I like the sound of that. Off to research again!!

I bought ladybirds! They have been released but I've seen the amount of ants and didn't realise their role in the whole bug party!!
Panic ordered fruit tree grease and put this on today. Praying for my little ladybird friends 🙏🏼
Expensive and sad mistake if not