Dying boxwoods - Ask Extension
I have 3 boxwoods that seem to be dying and the leaves have small white insects or cast skins on the underside of them. Can you tell me what these are...
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Dying boxwoods #645565
Asked June 03, 2020, 5:16 PM EDT
I have 3 boxwoods that seem to be dying and the leaves have small white insects or cast skins on the underside of them. Can you tell me what these are and if there is a treatment. I planted the boxwoods about 4 or 5 years ago and I am not sure of the type of boxwood.
Thank you
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Your boxwood are infested with leaf miners, a type of insects. The larvae mined in the leaves and emerged as adults lately as flies. The white things you see are the pupal cases where they turned into adults and then emerged.
Here's what to do: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-preventing-and-managing-common-pests-and-diseases
Incidentally, the photos of the pupal cases on the leaves were excellent but out of focus unfortunately. We could use some clear ones, if you'd like to send us some.
Ellen
Here's what to do: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/boxwood-preventing-and-managing-common-pests-and-diseases
Incidentally, the photos of the pupal cases on the leaves were excellent but out of focus unfortunately. We could use some clear ones, if you'd like to send us some.
Ellen
