# How to Control Leafrollers on Fruit Trees
Leafrollers are the larvae of certain species of the tortricid moths that pupate inside the rolled foliage for protection. The pests cause significant damage to fruit and nut trees and other trees in the landscape including maple, poplar, elm and willow. The four stages of growth of leafrollers are the egg, larvae or caterpillar, pupa and the adult moth. It is during the larvae stage that the pests roll the leaves with their silken thread and then pupate inside. All species of leafrollers cause similar nature of damage and are also controlled in a similar way.
Things You'll Need
- Bt spray
Instructions
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Use a product containing the microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, as the active ingredient for leafroller control, suggests the University of California Extension.
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Inspect the larvae size prior to using the insecticide. Bt is most effective on larvae that is less than ½-inch long. This size is at the time of the larvae hatching or immediately afterwards.
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Spray the infested tree thoroughly with the insecticide, making sure you cover all foliage. It is important for the pests to ingest the chemical for it to take effect.
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4
Repeat the application after seven to 10 days. Complete control requires more than just one application of the chemical.
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Previous:
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