Something is eating my red twig dogwood - Ask Extension
Ther are white caterpiller and larvae earing all the leaves on this my red twig dogwood. This has happened in the last few days. I do not have a befor...
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Something is eating my red twig dogwood #943665
Asked August 28, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT
Ther are white caterpiller and larvae earing all the leaves on this my red twig dogwood. This has happened in the last few days. I do not have a befor picture with all its leaves, just a winter shot with its red branches. So I need to confirm what is is and hiw to get rid of the oests, abd what are the chances it will survive the winter into soring.
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
These are dogwood sawfly larvae. The are not true caterpillars so caterpillar controls will not be effective on them.
You can knock them into a bucket of soapy water to drown them. This is the most beneficial-insect-friendly way to control them.
Insecticides can be used as well, but these will kill other beneficial insects. You may use spinosad, azadirachtin, or pyrethroid type insecticides such as bifenthrin, permethrin, etc.
if you decide to use an insecticide, please read and follow all label precautions and directions.
Be sure to monitor your shrub next year, check the undersides of leaves for eggs or young larvae and take action earlier, before extensive defoliation occurs.
Bulletins with details-
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1243
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1354
These are dogwood sawfly larvae. The are not true caterpillars so caterpillar controls will not be effective on them.
You can knock them into a bucket of soapy water to drown them. This is the most beneficial-insect-friendly way to control them.
Insecticides can be used as well, but these will kill other beneficial insects. You may use spinosad, azadirachtin, or pyrethroid type insecticides such as bifenthrin, permethrin, etc.
if you decide to use an insecticide, please read and follow all label precautions and directions.
Be sure to monitor your shrub next year, check the undersides of leaves for eggs or young larvae and take action earlier, before extensive defoliation occurs.
Bulletins with details-
https://hyg.ipm.illinois.edu/article.php?id=1243
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1354
