Live Oak has White Fungus

[Debby]

I was just out in my yard and looked at my live oak tree and it has this white stuff on it. It looks like a white nylon mesh on one of the huge branches and it travels up this branch as far as I can see and to any outlying branches from this main branch. Any ideas on what this is and what do I need to do to get rid of it?

 

[Treeman14]

Does it look like a spider web wrapping around the limbs? It is probably psocids, otherwise known as bark lice. They are NOT harmful. For aesthetics, the webs can be washed off with a strong stream of water, but do not use insecticides.

 

[Debby]

Yes it does look like a spiderwebs except thicker, more like sheer white pantyhose. Thanks for the response. I will wash it off.

 

[Treeman14]

Debby,
Here are a couple of links for more information and pictures.

http://www.bugwood.caes.uga.edu/factsheets/psocids.html

http://www.fl-dof.com/Pubs/Insects_and_Diseases/insects_hbs_psocids_bark_lice.htm

 

[Debby]

Thank you. The second link looks exactly like what I see on the tree. I've washed it off and it looks better, but it runs so high on the tree that I can't reach all of it.

Thanks so much for your help.