Euro Saw Flys - check your pines closely

[fishlips]

If you live in the metro area, and have ornamental pines (mugho) or long needled pine trees, check them closely for European Saw Flys. It will be obvious - believe me! You will see colonies of 50 - 200 inch worm type creatures chomping away at the needles. I hadn't heard of them until I saw movement in a bush ~ there were so many of them it actually looked like a mouse or small bird...very wierd site. Checkout the web on how to control/kill them. From what I've been told, they will not kill the tree or shrub unless their numbers get out of hand. I've been spot spraying with Sevin trying to keep the use of chemicals as low as I can.

[Enids Hubby]

I get them every year at this time in my mugo pine . I just spray them once with Isotox and I'm good till next year.

[Powerstroke]

Very very common. I've had them on mine for at least a week and a half. I got out there every other day or so and knock them off and spray with water. There are fewer and fewer every time. No chemicals needed.

If you have a large infestation you can use an insecticide. I would stay away from Sevin because of how toxic it is. Ye sits still available, but its being phased out for obvious reasons. Sawfly are very easy to kill and any nursery can give you better options. Hiring it out is also an option if you're not comfortable with doing the application yourself. Sawfly was probably the easiest service to sell because the bugs and damage are very obvious.