What Is Eating My Crepe Myrtle? [4 Common Pests]

Crepe myrtle are have intercourse for their long bloom of youth which leave coloured flowers all summer long . However , if you ’ve noticed your crepe myrtle is n’t looking quite as chipper as it used to , you may have a plague that is chowing down on your tree . So , what might be rust your crepe paper myrtle ? Well , we ’ve researched the subject in depth and have a listing of the most common pests that might be feed your tree .

Common pest that eat crepe myrtles are :

Now you know four usual pests you might encounter consume your crepe paper Vinca minor , but keep read as we elaborate on each one . We will hash out how to name each one and what you could do to forbid them from destroying your tree . We ’ll also answer some extra questions you might have about your French pancake myrtle including how to describe if it is dying .

Pests That Eat Crepe Myrtles

Before we discuss each pest that may be eating your crepe Vinca minor , it ’s important to ensure that the hurt you are visualize is a upshot of a pest eating your tree and not some other outlet .

If you are assure far-flung damage to your tree ’s parting , you likely have a pest that ’s eating them . However , if it seems intact leaves are being eaten while others are unswayed , you may have a unlike job .

Crepe Myrtle Aphids

you’re able to identify whether your crepe myrtle has an aphid plague by simply taking a look at your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . crape myrtle aphids , ( Tinocallis kahawaluokalani)are yellowish - green .

You will also be able-bodied to seeblack spotson their abdomen . Aphids feed on works cosh which they accomplish through the crepe myrtle ’s leafage , but when they do , they inject spittle . This saliva can make yellow spots on the leaves .

In addition to the yellow spots on the tree ’s leaves , you’re able to also name an aphid infestation by fateful - colour leaves . When aphids run through sap , they then excrete honeydew .

This sticky message is a outstanding post for sooty stamp to produce . While jet mold and honeydew wo n’t really harm your tree diagram , they can make it look unsightly .

Japanese Beetles

Unlike crape myrtle aphids , Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica ) , are n’t just found on crepe myrtle . They are n’t too picky when it comes to plants they will feed on . So if you have any other plants in your garden , you should learn those too .

They are also pretty promiscuous to identify by their coming into court . Japanese mallet have copper - colour bodies and wings and immature heads . The mallet will corrode the tissue of the leaf between its vein which leaves a webbed look to the leaves , just like in the image above .

Crepe Myrtle Flea Beetles

Like the Nipponese mallet , crape myrtle flea beetles ( Altica litigata ) will also run through the leaves of your crepe myrtle , leaving on an irregular basis shaped holes . However , only the adult beetles will do this .

For some reason , the chuck will not . The flea beetles areso callednot because of their appearance but their ability to move and jump like a flea . They can be avarietyof coloring including black , brown , bronze , metallic gray , or even bluish . Long , strong leg allow them to jump from office to shoes .

Spider Mites

Unlike the other pesterer we mentioned , spider mites are much hard to see . Instead , you will have to key out an plague by the harm they make and the World Wide Web they leave behind .

They will damage your crepe myrtle ’s foliage by eating the leaves . You ’ll point out small light dots on your leaves , and if left long enough , the leaves may wrench red . Spider soupcon are also not exclusive to crepe myrtles , so you may see them on other plants .

How do you get rid of crepe myrtle bugs?

Once you ’ve identify the type of pestilence you have eat up your crepe paper myrtle tree , you now ask to know how to get disembarrass of them . Let ’s discuss some methods for each type of gadfly .

Aphids can be a tricky pest to make do with . They reproduce easy and quickly , so if you do n’t get rid of them all on your first try , you will likely still face job with them .

Aphids can sometimes be make do with using a heavy watercourse of water . Try spraying the underside of the leaves to remove the aphid . Just make certain you get them all .

Other option let in release ladybird beetle which can sometimes be buy at nursery , or you could implement insecticides . Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids , however , for a large tree , you will need asignificant amountof ladybugs for combat the aphids .

Another aphid - eating marauder isaphidoleteswhich can also be purchased and exhaust .

You should treat your works for Nipponese beetles as soon as you notice them . catch ahead of the infestation is cardinal to control and preclude further infestations .

Both neem oil and pyrethrin are highlyrecommendedfor battle Japanese beetle . you’re able to also try removing the mallet by bridge player and dropping them into buttery water system to obliterate them .

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Flea beetles can also be treated similarly to Nipponese beetle with neem oil and pyrethrin . Sticky traps may also be utile .

Once you ’ve got rid of the infestation , it ’s of import to take steps to prevent next plague . Flea beetle can be beat back by sure plants such as Nepeta cataria and basil , so consider placing some of these around your garden .

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Again , neem oil can be effectual in killing spider touch . Spider tinge can also be killed on contact lens with a concoction of rub alcohol and water .

utilize a atomiser feeding bottle to douse the plant . You will need to spray both side of the leaves which could be tedious if you have a large Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Complete the unconscious process by wipe the leaves with a paper towel or fabric .

What else might be damaging my crepe myrtle?

pest are n’t the only consequence you might be having with your crape Vinca minor . If you ca n’t identify any of the pests we cite above , it may be time to view other possibilities .

Disease and fungal transmission could be the effort of damage to your crepe paper Vinca minor . The most common fungal transmission ispowdery mildew . This presents itself as patches of white or grayish growth on the works .

Another fungous infection that might be to blame is Cercospora leaf daub . This can be identify by yellow , flushed , or brown place on the leafage of the tree . Both diseases can be treated with a antimycotic agent , but be certain to opt one that is safe for crepe myrtle .

flick here to see fungicide on Amazon .

How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?

During the winter , your crape myrtle may seem to be dead , but this is often not the case . you’re able to separate whether your crepe Vinca minor is idle or dying by do a sugar test .

mildly call off away part of the tree diagram ’s bark . If the arena underneath is green , your plant life is active and goodish . Your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree might not pop out blooming until late June , but if you do n’t see any blooms by then , your tree diagram might be pall .

How do I save my crepe myrtle?

for preserve your crepe myrtle , you will need to name what is killing your works and treat it consequently .

For illustration , if it has a pest or fungal problem , you will necessitate to test and disembarrass the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree of it first . If most of your tree is already stagnant but you may still see green shoots around part of the tree , you may try cut away any drained theatrical role of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . The greenish shoot should continue to mature .

What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle?

If taken care of and kept in the correct conditions , your crepe myrtle could live upwards of 50 age . If you have n’t yet planted a crepe myrtle and you are considering it , be certain to place it in a fix with full sun .

Once implant , check that the dirt is fertile and you are keep an eye out for any potential trouble that might cause harm to your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . By staying on top of any fungal or pest infestations , you will keep your crepe Vinca minor live for many years to come .

Final Thoughts

Now you know about four common pests you might find out chomping on your crape myrtle . Hopefully , our article has help you diagnose which gadfly is causing your problem . If your tree has n’t been infested yet , then hopefully our article has at least prepared you on what to look out for . Happy growing !

For more meter reading on the topic , check out some of our other web log posts below :

How full-grown Does A Crepe Myrtle Get ?

How Long Do Crepe Myrtle Trees Live ?