Knowledgebase

Serviceberry bush pests #875984

Asked July 05, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT

I am growing a young serviceberry bush (two years old). This summer, the undersides of almost all the leaves look eaten. Almost all the berries shriveled up in the spring. I took some pictures, and I think I see lace bugs and their eggs on the underside of almost all the leaves. I also saw some orange growths that could be rust. The bush is in really bad shape. Is there anything I can do for it? Are there any natural predators I can buy to release onto the bush?

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

There are not any predators worth purchasing for lace bugs, but they may arrive on their own if pesticides are avoided. However horticultural oil or insecticidal soap would be ok, at least once the heat wave breaks. They will smother the lace bugs and kill on contact so if you target the under sides of the leaves that should help and hopefully avoid any beneficials in the process. 

Lace bugs are a common pest of Serviceberries and related trees/shrubs. Despite them not looking very healthy at the moment, they are not a serious threat to long-term plant health.

The berry shriveling might have been due to rust from the spring, which is another common issue of trees and shrubs in the Rosacea family. It is difficult to say without a photo of the rust symptoms though. Usually they tend to shrivel just from heat and drought. Continue to monitor for irrigation needs through the hot and dry weather of summer and into fall.

Let us know if you have further questions on care. 

Emily

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