Diagnosis leaf damage - Ask Extension
Gary Stauffer
Knowledgebase
Diagnosis leaf damage #871859
Asked June 06, 2024, 10:36 AM EDT
Gary Stauffer
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
This looks like damage from the 4-lined plant bug. Here is more information on this pest: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs These insects are pretty quick moving, but by holding a bucket of soapy water underneath the branch while giving it a firm tap, you can get rid of quite a few. You can also spray an insecticidal soap or a spray containing pyrethrin, but make sure to spray when bees are not in the way, because these products will harm them. That said, 4-lined plant bugs only feed a little while longer for this year, so perhaps you want to wait it out. You can just prune out the badly damaged foliage which will regrow soon enough.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension
Ruth
This looks like damage from the 4-lined plant bug. Here is more information on this pest: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs These insects are pretty quick moving, but by holding a bucket of soapy water underneath the branch while giving it a firm tap, you can get rid of quite a few. You can also spray an insecticidal soap or a spray containing pyrethrin, but make sure to spray when bees are not in the way, because these products will harm them. That said, 4-lined plant bugs only feed a little while longer for this year, so perhaps you want to wait it out. You can just prune out the badly damaged foliage which will regrow soon enough.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension
Ruth