Viburnum leaf beetle - Ask Extension
I think we have a new viburnum leaf beetle infestation. Any recommendations on how to save our shrubs? Will neem oil work or do I need to use somethin...
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Viburnum leaf beetle #870328
Asked May 27, 2024, 7:46 PM EDT
I think we have a new viburnum leaf beetle infestation. Any recommendations on how to save our shrubs? Will neem oil work or do I need to use something stronger?
Thank you
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
Viburnum leaf beetles seem to be expanding their range rapidly in Minnesota.
Apparently we need to deal with the larvae in May and early June and the adult beetles from late June into the summer.
The following publications discuss this pest's life cycle, what can be done to control it, and when control measures must be taken.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/viburnum-leaf-beetle
Reliable authorities do not recommend neem oil to control the beetles or their larvae.
In the long run we may need to replace susceptible viburnum species with those that are resistant.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/suscept.html
Apparently we need to deal with the larvae in May and early June and the adult beetles from late June into the summer.
The following publications discuss this pest's life cycle, what can be done to control it, and when control measures must be taken.
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/viburnum-leaf-beetle/
https://ag.umass.edu/landscape/fact-sheets/viburnum-leaf-beetle
Reliable authorities do not recommend neem oil to control the beetles or their larvae.
In the long run we may need to replace susceptible viburnum species with those that are resistant.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/suscept.html
