Elm Beetle Tree Service

Integrated pest management program for Elm Beetles

Elm leaf beetle is one of the most important insects damaging urban forests in the United States and is the major pest of elm trees. Elm leaf beetle is a serious defoliator of elms in our area. Defoliation eliminates summer shade, reduces the aesthetic value of trees, and causes annoying leaf drop. Repeated, extensive defoliation weakens elms, causing trees to decline.

Adults commonly overwinter in bark crevices, litter, woodpiles, or
in buildings. They fly to foliage in spring, and feed and lay yellowish eggs, which become grayish before hatching. After feeding in the canopy for several weeks, mature larvae crawl down the tree trunk, become curled, inactive prepupae, and then develop into yellowish pupae. After about 10 days, adult beetles emerge from pupae around the tree base and fly to the canopy to feed and (during spring and summer) lay eggs.  Manage elm leaf beetle with an integrated program that incorporates good cultural practices, conservation of natural enemies, regular monitoring, or systemic insecticides. Because elms are large trees, any pesticide spraying is best done by a professional applicator.

What our Elm Beetle Tree Service is

Methods for chemical control of elm leaf beetle include soil applications, tree injection, and/or foliar spraying. Because specialized equipment is required to spray the tops of large elm trees, it is best to hire a
professional applicator and our professional expertise.

Systemic Insecticides. Elm leaf beetle feeding can be controlled with certain systemic insecticides, some formulations of these materials can be sprayed onto the tree foliage, but soil applications and tree injections minimize environmental contamination and may be more effective than foliar sprays.

Soil Injections. The most effective time to apply it is early spring, just before new leaves emerge. Make an application before a rainfall, or follow the application with irrigation.


Foliar Sprays. Several foliar insecticide sprays are available for elm leaf beetle. a good choice in an integrated pest management program. More persistent, broad-spectrum materials, including carbaryl and pyrethroids, are also available for foliar application.