Leaf Miner infestation

Question

I have two young silver birch trees infested with leaf miners and small green caterpillars. Can you please advise me of examples of “general pesticides” to use and the name of a leaf miner specific spray. Is it really too late in the season to worry about this problem? Will the bugs automatically return next spring?

Many thanks.

Answer 1

This article has a good explanation of how to control birch leafminers:

http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/birch-leafminers/

The article does mention some pesticide ingredients that are effective against leafminers, but the specific products available are different in every state. The best option is to contact a local university extension agent.

As the article explains, the best time to control leafminers is in the spring, and treating in the fall is unlikely to make a difference.