My first attempt at any removal is always "selection" - "color range" then I fool around with the fuzziness setting. Works exceptionally well where the magic wand is used. Not always the right tool but worth a first try. I clean up any left overs with the eraser.
2nd choice is always the pen tool. Good for tweaking anchors to closeness. Along with "selecton"-"expand/contract" and your delete key and then your layer blending options panels you're there.
