MM: if you look on the undersides of the leaves in the second picture you may see aphids. The ants in the picture are an indicator of aphids but are not always present when aphids are. Ants are known to "farm" aphids. As far as non-chemical goes who knows what that means. You may have some luck by simply attempting to wask the aphids off with a garden hose. If you are really lucky, the lady bugs will move in and clean them up for you before they do any lasting damage to the tree, it is possible but don't hold your breath. Otherwise, insecticidal soaps work very well, follow all directions and read and understand the entire label before use.

It is a very good idea, in the future, to check your plants closely, regularly for insect and disease damage and their presence. Over time and through the seasons you can begin to get an understanding of the myriad of things going on outside, and if you wish, to intervene on your behalf.

Good luck, Michael

Mum,

Those trees don't look like pear leaves to me. They look like apple. I think you have a couple apple trees.

Actually, I realized I wasn't paying attention - those are the Italian Plums. Michael, I really did check for aphids as the ants clued me to them, but the what rice was moving!!!

Nancy.

The "white rice" things are cast skins of the aphids. Even though they're not alive, the are stuck to a leaf hair and can flap in the breeze.