Apple: Leafrollers

• Categories: Apple Apple Insects Tree Fruits
• Last review date: 2026-04-09 02:01

Biology

Characteristic signs of leafroller feeding include leaves that are rolled and tied in place with webbing, often with frass in the webbing.

Damaged leaves are often near shoot tips and may be skeletonize or chewed.

Leafrolling caterpillars on apple are usually green with light to dark brown or black heads. The caterpillars may be up to 1″ in length at maturity.

The adult moth of the obliquebanded leafroller, a common pest on apple, is an orange-brown, bell-shaped moth about 1/2″ long.

The adult of the pandemis leafroller is a buff-colored moth with tan bands on the wings. Fruittree leafrollers may also be found on apple.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Hand-pick and destroy individual caterpillars when practical.
• Pinch to kill caterpillars inside rolled leaves.
• Encourage natural enemies of caterpillars including birds, parasitic wasps and flies, and predaceous beetles. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.

Chemical Management

• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) will control leafrollers only if they are actively feeding.
• Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
• Oil applied as a delayed dormant spray will kill overwintering eggs.
• Apply spinosad once around the time of petal fall.
• Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
• Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil
  EPA registration number: 4-80
• Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew R-T-U [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D)
  EPA registration number: 4-472
• Bonide Thuricide BT Concentrate
  Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki
  EPA registration number: 4-226
• Monterey Garden Insect Spray [Organic]
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D)
  EPA registration number: 62719-314-54705
• R-T-U Year-Round Spray Oil
  Active ingredient: mineral oil
  EPA registration number: 6218-78
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin
  EPA registration number: 70051-6-42697
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.