Q.Leaf Miner infestation
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.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
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.