AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question We have a large pussy willow tree in our yard and have noticed this year that there are small black bugs on over half of the branches. They create quite a mess on the ground underneath them. What are they and how do we get rid of them?
Answer Sounds like willow flea beetles. Spray the foliage with an insecticide. Insecticides containing carbaryl (Sevin), spinosad, bifenthrin and permethrin can provide fairly good control. These are contact insecticides.
But I would use an insecticide called Orthene this is a systemic type and will last longer than the contact insecticides.and you may have to spray a couple of times about a week apart to make sure you cover all the beetles present.
They will not kill the tree unless there is several years of complete defoliation.
Check with your local nursery/garden type store for these products for flea beetles.
