Beetles eating fruit trees - Ask Extension
Hello!
I work at a plant nursery and had a customer come in seeking help to get an insect problem under control. We want to help her but are unsure...
Knowledgebase
Beetles eating fruit trees #802304
Asked July 21, 2022, 1:47 PM EDT
Hello!
I work at a plant nursery and had a customer come in seeking help to get an insect problem under control. We want to help her but are unsure how exactly to treat this. She said it started with eating leaves on her plum tree and now they have moved to other plants in her garden like strawberries. She sent some pictures of a beetle that she believes is the problem. She thinks that they fly.
Another staff member had recommended diatomaceous earth but she doesn't think it is helping as they fly.
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
The pictures don't show enough detail to give a sound identification. The insects resemble June beetles; the adults of which feed on foliage. However, they usually don't occur in large enough numbers and consume enough foliage to be considered a pest. Most fruit trees produce more foliage than they minimally require so a little loss is no big deal. If the customer still sees the beetle, they can try to take some clear, close up pictures of the beetles and the feeding damage they are causing. Or they can take specimens to the local extension office.
FYI - June beetles, like most beetles, can fly.
OSU Deshutes County Extension
3800 SW, SE Airport Way Bldg. 4,
Redmond, OR 97756
FYI - June beetles, like most beetles, can fly.
OSU Deshutes County Extension
3800 SW, SE Airport Way Bldg. 4,
Redmond, OR 97756
