Landscape - Watch for Redheaded Pine Sawfly

Redheaded pine sawfly is now active on pines in the region. Watch for this pest that can cause significant damage in a small period of time.

Redheaded Pine Sawfly

We have received several reports of redheaded pine sawfly activity this week. The larvae feed gregariously. This group feeding of larvae can defoliate whole sections of a pine very rapidly in late August to early September.

Physical control: 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.

Redheaded pine sawfly. Photo by Herbert A. "Joe" Pase III, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Information from the September 4, 2009 edition of the TPM/IPM Weekly Report for Arborists, Landscape Managers & Nursery Managers from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension http://www.ipmnet.umd.edu/09Sep04L.pdf