Check susceptible species, such as Viburnum dentatum, Viburnum opulus, and Viburnum trilobum for larvae early in June. Spray each week for 2-3 weeks, as soon as young larvae are seen. Be sure to get good, full coverage of all foliage surfaces.
In the fall, look for the scars where the eggs are deposited on the sides of stem tips. Prune these out as you find them and spray with a dormant oil for those you cannot reach or may not see. Bayer Advanced Garden Tree and Shrub works well. You may be tempted to cut and remove the susceptible viburnums but these insects can be controlled.
If you are doing a new plant: Think about substitutions for Viburnums such as Cornus Mas (Cornelian Cherry), Calycanthus (Sweet Shrub), Aronia (Chokeberry), Cephalanthus (Buttonbush), Shrub Roses, Highbush Blueberrys, Dogwoods, Fantail Willow, Physocarpus (Ninebark), Chionanthus (Fringetree), Philadelphus (Mockorange), Shrub Malus, Hazelnut, Spicebush, Enkianthus (Redvein), Hamamelis (Witch-hazel), Cornus Kousa (Chinese Dogwoods), Magnolias, Paw Paw, Quince, Sambucus, Russian Mulberry, Fothergilla, or Eleagnus multiflora (Cherry Olive)
Highly Susceptible Species
(species are first to be attacked, and are generally destroyed in the first 2-3 years following infestation)
- Dentatum
- Opulus
- Trilobum
- Rafinesquianum
Susceptible Species
(species are eventually destroyed, but usually not fed upon until most susceptible are eliminated)
- Acerifolium
- Lantana
- Sargentii
- Wrightii
Moderately Susceptible Species
(species are not usually destroyed, but are susceptible)
- Alnifolium
- Burkwoodii
- x Carlcephalum
- Cassinoides Dilatatum
- Lantanoides
- Lentago
- x Pragense Prunifolium
- x Rhytidophylloides….Tinus
Most Resistant Species
(show little or no feeding damage)
- Carlesii
- Davidii
- x Juddii
- Plicatum var. Tomentosum
- Rhytidophyllum
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