Elm Leaf Beetle Facts
These pests are not only a nuisance to humans, but also to elm trees. It is not native to the United States; instead, it was accidentally introduced from Asian countries. The elm leaf beetle feeds on elm leaves, drying them up, and eventually killing them. While the tree itself might not die immediately, the elm leaf beetle will cause the tree to turn a sickly brown color. If the tree is constantly met with attacks, the tree will grow weaker and more susceptible to the elements.
Elm Leaf Beetle Bites
Don’t worry, elm leaf beetles do not bite or sting. Elm leaf beetles are considered pests because they will sometimes invade houses to find a safe place to live during the winter. These insects also munch on the leaves of elm trees. This causes the leaves to shrivel and die, weakening and disfiguring the elm tree.
Elm Leaf Beetle Infestation
While the elm leaf beetle is not dangerous to humans, it can have a huge impact on foliage and landscapes. Trees that have been infested with the beetle will either have brown leaves that will fall out of season, or they will have a skeletal appearance. This is a process that has the potential to happen quickly.
If the infestation is serious, a tree may lose its leaves by mid-summer. Trees that are infested with the elm leaf beetle will usually produce another round of foliage after the initial attack. However, it is not uncommon for the leaves to once again be eaten by beetles that remain.
If you have an elm tree, it will not necessarily be in danger if these beetles are present, at least not immediately. They may weaken the tree, but they will not kill it outright. Instead, the tree will be at risk of attacks from insects and disease.
The elm leaf beetle, however, does not carry Dutch elm disease. This disease is carried by the European bark beetle, which attacks weak trees. However, if your elm tree is repeatedly attacked by the elm leaf beetle, it may become so weak that it eventually dies.
Types of Elm Leaf Beetles
Elm Leaf Beetle Identification
Fully matured beetles are olive green with black stripes running along the center of their backs and sides where wings are located. They measure around 1⁄4 inch in length once they are fully developed. Females will lay eggs on the back of elm leaves in two rows with anywhere from five to 25 eggs present. When the eggs hatch, the larvae are black, and then turn a dull yellow or green.
Elm Leaf Beetles in the House & the Apartment
As the days grow colder, elm leaf beetles look for a warm, protected place to spend the winter. Sometimes this could be within your walls or in your eaves. Elm leaf beetles are a nuisance pest and do not cause structural damage or reproduce indoors. During warm winter days, you may spot one of these insects crawling around your living space. Another sign that you may have an elm leaf beetle infestation on our property is premature browning and falling leaves on your elm tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Control an Elm Leaf Beetle Infestation?
Having a pest management professional treat before the first round of larvae and after the second generation of larvae. This should be done first in late May or early June, and again in late July or early August.
Although adult beetles have been known to hibernate in homes, they will migrate outside once springtime comes around. They will be a nuisance at this time as they try to find their way out, but they won’t cause any damage.
To keep them out, keep screens on windows and seal any cracks or openings around the house. Dead beetles should be vacuumed so as not to attract other pests into the home.
Benefits of Professional Elm Leaf Beetle Pest Control
A pest management professional has the education, equipment, and skills necessary to effectively address an elm leaf beetle problem.
Finding and treating the elm leaf beetles can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout your yard or home.
A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the elm leaf beetle infestation.
