Snowball bush devoured - Ask Extension
Myself and several of my surrounding neighbors have had little black worms totally devour our snowball shrubs. I didn't notice it until it was chewe...
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Snowball bush devoured #576264
Asked July 02, 2019, 1:46 PM EDT
Myself and several of my surrounding neighbors have had little black worms totally devour our snowball shrubs. I didn't notice it until it was chewed about halfway up. Other people in the neighborhood were asking questions as they have the same problem. Here is a picture. We are wondering what to do and if they will come back next year. I do see new leaves growing so that is definitely a good sign.
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
In order to correctly treat the plant, the worm (or other problem) needs to be correctly identified, which cannot be done with this photo. I've attached an article which describes the various problems of hydrangeas, which typically aren't many. It may be possible for you to identify the problem with this information and then apply the appropriate treatment.
http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/hydrangea-diseasesand-pests.php#
http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/hydrangea-diseasesand-pests.php#
It's actually a snowball viburnum, not a hydrangea. They were tiny black worms less than a 1/4 inch. They are long gone now though so unfortunately I was unable to get a picture for your identification. Thank you.
Looks like it could be the viburnum leaf beetle, a relatively new visitor to Michigan. The following articles give a thorough description of the beetle and control treatments.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keep_your_eyes_open_for_the_viburnum_leaf_beetles
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/id.html
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/keep_your_eyes_open_for_the_viburnum_leaf_beetles
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/id.html
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
Thank you so much Mary! I and my neighbors appreciate your time so much!
Thank you so much Mary! I and my neighbors appreciate your time so much!
Good luck!