Landscape - Redheaded Sawfly on Pine

Redheaded sawfly is now active on pines. The following is information on this pest from the University of Maryland landscape IPM report.

Redheaded Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei

In mid to late August redheaded pine sawfly eggs begin to hatch. Female sawflies have been laying eggs into needles over the last couple of weeks. The larval stage of this insect will feed on mugo pine, red pine, scotch pine and several other species of pines. If you examine foliage now you may see the yellowish colored eggs inserted in a row into the needles of the pine. When the eggs hatch the larvae will feed in clusters, usually on tip growth of the host pine. This group feeding of larvae can defoliate whole sections of a pine very rapidly in late August to early September.

Physical control: Prune out the needles that have eggs present. This action is the easiest preventative measure for control. Once the larvae hatch you can prune off the tip growth while the larvae are small.

Chemical control: Horticultural oil sprayed onto the larvae will give control. Neem products can also be used to control early instar larvae. Spinosad (Conserve) will also give control.

Information and photo from the August 22, 2008 edition of the TPM/IPM Weekly Report for Arborists, Landscape Managers & Nursery Managers from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.