Insects on Bosc pear tree - Ask Extension
Some leaves on a pear tree are curling, when I incurred there are these little white critters. What are they, and how do I treat?
Knowledgebase
Insects on Bosc pear tree #746681
Asked April 27, 2021, 10:25 PM EDT
Some leaves on a pear tree are curling, when I incurred there are these little white critters. What are they, and how do I treat?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for the excellent images of the pear leaf and the pests.
Those small insects are the larvae (youngsters) of the pear leafcurling midge, a tiny fly with the technical name of Dasineura pyri.
Our official pest management handbook suggests various pesticide sprays, most of which are toxic to bees. Only two are not in that category; choose one, then follow label directions for dilution, application, and safety procedures.
- acetamiprid
- azadirachtin (neem)
(The garden center should be able to help you find an appropriate product containing one of the above active ingredients.)
If the tree is a reasonable size, you may be able to remove all the curled leaves. If so, secure them in a plastic bag, then set it in the sun for a day; finally, into the trash.
Unfortunately, this midge is likely to continue to be a problem through the years.
The reason? The insects survive from one year to the next in the soil. Then, too, no soil treatment is available.
Those small insects are the larvae (youngsters) of the pear leafcurling midge, a tiny fly with the technical name of Dasineura pyri.
Our official pest management handbook suggests various pesticide sprays, most of which are toxic to bees. Only two are not in that category; choose one, then follow label directions for dilution, application, and safety procedures.
- acetamiprid
- azadirachtin (neem)
(The garden center should be able to help you find an appropriate product containing one of the above active ingredients.)
If the tree is a reasonable size, you may be able to remove all the curled leaves. If so, secure them in a plastic bag, then set it in the sun for a day; finally, into the trash.
Unfortunately, this midge is likely to continue to be a problem through the years.
The reason? The insects survive from one year to the next in the soil. Then, too, no soil treatment is available.
