White Pine White Gunk

just been out to attend to my white pine

i noticed lots of needles yellowing off and presume due to autumn approaching.
i plucked most of these out and decided i will put the pine in the shed for a few days as we have had non stop rain in Kent recently.


then i noticed this stuff on the  branches. an issue? a fungus? an insect, a water related problem?
it does seem to rub off

please advise

Looks like a critter to me.

Moving to Pests forum (will move it back if not a critter <g>)

Yes that's woolly aphids. Spray with Provado or neem oil, or remove with methylated spirits and q-tips. Repeat after 14 days.
Really check the spot where the needles are attached. They can be persistent buggers

thanks team bonsai

neem oil ordered, i'll slight wash off for now

ok, it looks like the white has gone with using neem oil

but i have noticed more needle drop

some i presume is due to the season but was a bit worried when on one bunch of needles im left with just the bud


do i worry?