Insect & Disease Diagnosis

Case Study: The Tortoise Beetle

The tortoise beetle is one of a dozen pests that have attacked the eucalyptus trees in California during the last two decades. Although the beetle itself does not kill the eucalyptus tree, the beetle can remove most of the trees leaves. This creates stress on the trees because if the trees are not able to produce new food through photosynthesis the trees can eventually die. Because the beetle hides under loose bark during the day and feed primarily at night they may be difficult to spot. The only real clue might be notched leaves. Although there is no pesticides for controlling this pest and they are difficult to spray, because the beetle hides underneath the bark, the best method of protecting the trees are through proper maintenance practices. One way to reduce tree stress is by protecting them from injury. In addition, consider providing trees with supplemental water to a depth of 1' to 2'. However, avoid prolonged water logging because eucalyptus trees are susceptible to root rot diseases. For more information on this or the other insects that attack the eucalyptus tree, let Evergreen Arborists Consultants, Inc. provide proactive and effective landscape planning tools for your community.