Black nasties

[shelagh]

Can anyone help me identify these black nasties which are all over a young Elder we have in the front garden. We have 2 books on pests and diseases and these don't feature in either, typical.

[ian mcdonald]

Sorry Shelagh, the picture is not clear enough. Are they aphids?

[shelagh]

I think so Ian, unfortunately there was a stiff breeze blowing so the branch wouldn't stay still.

[arisaema]

Elder aphids? Might be worth fighting them, since this page mentions them overwintering on the roots of Saxifraga: https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_sambuci_elder_aphid.htm

[shelagh]

Thank you so much for all that information. They are definitely what we have although after using the Bug Gun yesterday there are a lot less than there were. I shall re-read the info you sent as it's a lot to take in.