Crabapple: Leafrollers and leaftiers

• Categories: Crabapple Crabapple Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
• Last review date: 2026-08-29 08:19

Biology

Several species of caterpillars will roll and tie leaves of fruit trees.

Characteristic signs of feeding include leaves that are webbed, rolled, and tied, often with frass in the webbing. Damaged leaves often turn brown and may drop prematurely.

The larvae often group together to make nest-like structures of chewed leaves and webbing.

Leafrolling and leaftying caterpillars are usually about 1-2″ long at maturity.

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.
• Prune out and destroy nests of caterpillars.

Chemical Management

• Pesticide recommendations are for flowering (non-edible) crabapples.
• Apply in early spring, but not during bloom.
• 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.

• All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil
  EPA registration number: 4-80
• 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
• ferti-lome Caterpillar Killer with Bt
  Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki
  EPA registration number: 70051-106-7401
• Azera Gardening [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin, pyrethrins
  EPA registration number: 1021-1872
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.