How To Identify And Get Rid Of Destructive Crepe Myrtle Pests
By JOANNA MARIE
Originating from Asia, crepe myrtle trees have become a beloved staple across the U.S. However, keeping this flowering tree alive and healthy means fighting damaging pests.
Japanese beetles have metallic blue-green heads and copper-colored wings. They chew through the leaves, impacting a tree's ability to undergo photosynthesis and damaging its roots.
If you find Japanese beetles on your crepe myrtle, handpick them off the tree and submerge them in a bucket of soapy water. This manual removal is time-consuming but effective.
Aphids, smaller and more inconspicuous than Japanese beetles, are green with black spots. They suck the sap from leaves, inducing a range of issues from wilting to discoloration.
Aphids are easy to remove with targeted treatments. Use insecticidal soaps for effective results, being careful not to harm helpful, aphid-eating predators like ladybugs.
Asian ambrosia beetles, which are small and dark brown to black in color, bore detrimental holes into the tree, where the females deposit eggs and introduce ambrosia, a fungus.
Immediately cut off and dispose of any affected branches, including the entire tree if the trunk is damaged. Apply a coating of insecticides to any plants prone to beetle attacks.