Why is my tree dripping sticky stuff on my car and patio?

Some small insects feed on tree sap and pass the extra sugar out as sticky drops called honeydew. It lands on leaves, cars, patios and benches. A dark, dusty film of sooty mold may grow on top of it.

The mess is annoying, and a heavy insect population can stress a tree, but many mature trees handle it fine. Honeydew often comes and goes with the weather and the insect's life cycle.

Before anyone sprays, confirm what the insect is. Different pests need different answers, and spraying the wrong thing can harm helpful insects. Your county extension office can often help identify it from photos or a sample.

For your car, wash it soon, since sticky residue gets harder to remove. If you are not sure the sap is honeydew, a pro can also check for other causes.