Black Vine Weevil

• The black vine weevil (Otiorhyncus sulcatus) is a flightless insect with a snout-like elongated head and bent antennae. The adult weevil feeds on foliage, causing leaves to appear ragged and notched. The larvae, a white grub, typically causes more damage to plants than adults by feeding on the roots. This feeding can weaken or kill plants and makes them more susceptible to root diseases. To address black vine weevil, destroy adults, provide proper cultural care, trim branches that act as "bridges" to the ground or between plants and apply a band of sticky material to trunks to hinder the flightless weevil.
  
  

Black Scale

• Ligustrum is susceptible to multiple species of armored, soft and pit-making scales. At least one of these, the black scale (Saissetia oleae) is black. Scales are small, immobile insects that use a straw-like mouthpart to suck on fluids from leaves, bark or fruit. A heavy infestation can force leaves to wilt, turn yellow and drop prematurely. Scales also excrete honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance upon which unsightly sooty mold grows. Scales are often controlled by natural predators but may be protected by ants that feed on the honeydew. If necessary, a well-timed application of horticultural oil can be used to control scales.
  
  

Aphids

• Aphids of different colors, including black, are occasional pests on privets. These small insects tend to concentrate their feeding on new growth and on the undersides of leaves, causing foliage to turn yellow, become distorted or drop prematurely. aphids also produce honeydew. These pests are often controlled suitably by natural predators unless they are being protected by ants. Occasional strong blasts of water will usually provide adequate control. If necessary, aphids can also be controlled chemically.
  
  

Thrips

• Some blackish species of thrips may be pests on Ligustrum. Thrips are slender, tiny insects with fringed wings that feed on buds and leaves, causing distortion and discoloration and leaving black specks of feces where they feed. Healthy plants can typically tolerate thrips, but a heavy infestation may cause problems. Avoid the use of broad spectrum or persistent herbicides to encourage naturally-occurring predators of thrips. Prune heavily infested portions of the privet but do not shear it, as this will encourage vulnerable new growth.