Detailed information on Viburnum Leaf Beetle (Pyrrhalta viburni)

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coriaceous

ROSLINDALE, MA | December 2014 | Negative

A tremendous and growing problem for those trying to grow viburnums in northeastern N. America. It's an introduced pest here whose range is expanding.

Pruning out twigs bearing egg deposits in winter is the most effective single control measure you can take.

I'm also going to apply Tanglefoot to the bark near the base early next summer, as the larvae climb down before pupating in the soil.

Insecticidal soap sprayed directly on the larvae can also be effective. I'm not eager to try systemic insecticides.

Here's a link to a lot of good information about this destructive pest and its control: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/vlb/

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tricialafleur

Macedonia, OH | May 2012 | Negative

This viburnum beetle and larvae have been decimating 2 of the 3 types of viburnum that I have planted in my yard for the past 3 years. The plants are about an acre apart from each other so that goes to show you how aggressive they are. I have somewhat controled them with a systemic insecticide applied very early in the spring. I hate using such poisons but it seems to be the only effective measure. Today, I noticed the same larvae eating my grape vine leaves. I obviously wont use a systemic on edibles! Please advise...

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RosemaryK

Lexington, MA (Zone 6a) | March 2012 | Negative

A published list of viburnum species that are highly susceptible: V. dentatum, V. nudum, V. opulus, V. propinquum, V. rafinesquianum, V. trilobum according to Weston 2004, Cornell University. Without intervention, Dirr says the highly susceptible species are generally destroyed within two to three years of the infestation. Most species reportedly show more susceptibility to feeding damage when grown in the shade. Problem in upstate NY, and New England.

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Zaragoza

(Zone 8b) | December 2009 | Positive

This is a cute native beetle that feeds in Viburnum. Seems to be very rare, even when cultivated Viburnum are very common shrubs, Viburnum are a pest but Pyrrhalta not: I only saw it in wild Viburnum very far from any human construction. And I only saw it twice.

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madkins

Rochester, NY (Zone 6a) | June 2008 | Negative

It's June 2, 2008 and the VLB larvae have been munching away at my two Arrowwood Viburnums. Two weeks ago I first noticed the new leaf tips shriveled and brown. I called my local Cornell Extension office and there is no known remedy for VLB. At that time, the larvae were a light green and barely noticeable, but their damage was. I sprayed the bottom of the leaves (where they live) with a mixture of mineral oil, water and dish soap. The damage slowed down a bit so maybe some were killed. Those that lived are now 1/8"-1/4" long and dark in color. So, yesterday I crouched down under the shrubs to see the undersides of the leaves and started pulling off leaves with the VLB larvae (look like little caterpillars) . I also smeared Tanglefoot on the branches at ground level. When the larvae crawl... read more

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Todd_Boland

St. John's, NL (Zone 5b) | August 2006 | Negative

Nasty, nasty, nasty. They may be small but their larvae do terrible damage to the leaves of Viburnum. They can literally strip every last leaf. They have been a terrible nuisance in St. John's, Newfoundland this past few years.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle

Pyrrhaltaviburni

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