Cherry: Leafrollers

• Categories: Cherry Cherry Insects Tree Fruits
• Last review date: 2026-04-09 02:28

Biology

Several species of leafrollers may be found on cherries. The larvae feed on leaves, buds, or fruit. They vary in color from pale to dark green, usually have a shiny brown or black head, and are about 3/4″ long at maturity.

Typical symptoms of leafroller feeding include leaves that are rolled and tied in place with webbing. Damaged leaves are often near shoot tips and may be skeletonized or chewed. Shallow surface damage may be seen on the fruit, but damaged fruit often drop before harvest. Leafroller caterpillar are often active when disturbed, wiggling vigorously or dropping to the ground on a thread.

The adult moths are 1/2″ to 3/4″ long and are brown or mottled tan and rusty brown. Some species have darker bands across the wings.

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!

• Pick out and destroy rolled leaves and caterpillars, when practical.
• Pinch rolled leaves to kill caterpillars.
• 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

• Best applied when caterpillars are small and before leaves are rolled, just after petal drop.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is only useful if larvae are feeding.
• Use a spreader-sticker with liquid Bt formulations.
• 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.

• 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
• Natural Guard Spinosad Bagworm, Tent Caterpillar & Chewing Insect Control
  Active ingredient: spinosad (spinosyn A+D)
  EPA registration number: 62719-314-7401
• 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.