Common Insect Pests of Crape Myrtles — Identification, Damage & Control
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) offer long-lasting summer blooms and attractive bark, but several insect pests can reduce flowering, discolor foliage, and weaken trees. This one-page guide helps homeowners identify common pests and choose practical control measures — with professional options from Swoboda Pest Control.
Common pests, signs & control
- Crape myrtle aphid: Tiny yellow-green aphids produce sticky honeydew and black sooty mold. Control: strong water spray, insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for localized outbreaks; consider systemic or professional treatment for heavy or recurring infestations.
- Crape myrtle bark scale: White or gray felt-like waxy patches on branches, heavy honeydew and sooty mold, possible dieback. Control: prune infested branches, apply horticultural oil during crawler stage, and use timed systemic treatments for effective control.
- Lace bugs: Stippled or bleached leaf surfaces with black fecal specks on undersides; may cause premature leaf drop. Control: inspect leaf undersides, use insecticidal soaps or targeted sprays early, or systemic options for severe cases.
- Japanese beetles: Adult beetles skeletonize leaves and chew flowers. Control: handpick into soapy water, use traps cautiously, or apply targeted insecticide treatments when adults first appear.
- Caterpillars/defoliators: Chewed leaves, visible larvae, and frass. Control: Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for young larvae, manual removal, or targeted contact insecticides for heavy outbreaks.
- Spider mites: Fine webbing, stippling, bronzing of leaves—worst in hot, dry weather. Control: increase humidity/watering, strong water sprays to dislodge mites, miticides or horticultural oils when needed.
Inspection, prevention & when to call pros Inspect monthly during the growing season — check new growth, leaf undersides, stems, and branch crotches for honeydew, sooty mold, stippling, webbing, or visible insects. Cultural practices (proper watering, mulching, light pruning for air circulation, and planting diverse flora) reduce stress and encourage beneficial predators. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides when possible to protect natural enemies.
Call Swoboda Pest Control when infestations are recurrent (especially bark scale or heavy sooty mold), trees are large or require ladder work, or outbreaks threaten long-term health. Our services include accurate pest ID, timed systemic treatments, targeted foliar sprays, and IPM-based plans to minimize chemical use while restoring tree health.
Keep your crape myrtles healthy and bloom-ready. Contact Swoboda Pest Control for a free inspection and tailored treatment plan
