Pear Tree Bugs

Types

• Pear leaf blister mites are too small to be seen without magnification. They have narrow white or light-red bodies and hairy legs. Pear psylla insects are reddish-brown or tan depending on the time of year. Codling moths have 1/2- to 3/4-inch wingspans and grayish-brown bodies with dark brown banding. Their larvae are pinkish-white with brown heads.

Effects

• Pear leaf blister mites burrow inside the lower surfaces of leaves and create blister-like swellings called galls. They also feed on immature fruit, causing brown spots and misshapen growth. Pear psylla inject poisonous saliva into pear trees while feeding, causing a condition called psylla shock characterized by leaf loss and wilt. Codling moth larvae burrow holes into pear fruit.

Prevention/Solution

• Pear leaf blister mites, pear psylla and codling moths are controlled using chemical sprays. Natural predators such as lacewings and ladybird beetles help lower psylla and codling moth populations. Codling moths also are controlled with pheromone chemicals that disrupt mating.