My weeping cherry and blueberries were eaten by a bug, despite spraying with Monterey insect spray. Where do these bugs come from, and how can I prevent them in the future? We’ve had blueberries for 40 years without bug issues.
It sounds like winter moth. Weeping cherry trees were hit hard this year. Winter moths feed on most deciduous trees and any shrub that is fruit bearing. This insect was introduced from Canada and has migrated down the coast. It has been in the Boston area for more than 13 years.
Feeding can be a serious problem for trees. Repeated defoliation can cause decline and eventual death. It is too late to treat your plants this year. Treatments should be done early next spring at bud break. Two treatments are required.
The affected plants this year should be fertilized.
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