Crepe myrtles are supposed to be the showstoppers of the yard—but pests clearly didn’t get the memo. I noticed mine looking a little off one summer and, sure enough, tiny troublemakers were hard at work.
From sticky leaves to sad-looking blooms, these pests don’t hold back. The good news? Most of them are easier to deal with than you’d think.
Here’s what might be bugging your trees—and how to stop the damage before it goes too far!
1. Japanese Beetles
Ever notice those iridescent green invaders munching on your crepe myrtle leaves? Meet the Japanese Beetles, notorious for their insatiable appetite for foliage. These little critters can skeletonize your plant faster than you can say ‘Sayonara!’
For these shiny pests, a soapy water trap works wonders. Simply knock them off into a bucket of soapy water, and watch them sink! Alternatively, try neem oil for a more organic approach to keep them at bay.
2. Aphids
These tiny sap-suckers, known as aphids, can be a gardener’s worst nightmare. Found clustering on new growth, they secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and can lead to sooty mold. But don’t fret, there’s a solution!
Introduce ladybugs into your garden, and let these natural predators feast on the aphid buffet. If chemicals are more your style, insecticidal soap is an effective choice for a quick fix.
3. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Ever seen your crepe myrtle covered in what looks like bits of white cotton fluff? That’s the Crape Myrtle Bark Scale making itself at home. This pesky insect weakens the plant, leading to stunted growth and black sooty mold.
Systemic insecticides can help eliminate these scales from the inside out. Another option is to scrub them off with a brush and a mild soap solution for a more hands-on approach.
4. Spider Mites
When crepe myrtle leaves turn yellow and look dusty, spider mites might be the uninvited guests causing the drama. These minuscule invaders are notorious for spinning webs and causing significant damage as they suck out the plant’s vitality.
A blast of water can dislodge these pests from your plant. However, for persistent infestations, horticultural oil or miticides are recommended solutions for reclaiming your tree’s health.
5. Whiteflies
Whiteflies may appear harmless, fluttering like tiny fairies, but don’t be fooled by their innocence. They suck the lifeblood out of your crepe myrtles, causing leaves to yellow and weaken.
Sticky traps can catch these flying nuisances, or you might prefer a more aggressive approach with insecticidal soap. Either way, staying vigilant is key to keeping these pests in check.
6. Leafhoppers
The swift and stealthy leafhopper, with its vibrant green hue, is more than just a pretty face. It pierces plant tissue and sucks out vital juices, often leaving behind a trail of wilted and pale leaves.
Introducing beneficial insects like lacewings can help control leafhopper populations. Alternatively, insecticidal sprays can be employed for a more direct attack on these agile intruders.
7. Aphid Midge
Despite its delicate appearance, the aphid midge is a fierce predator of aphids, patrolling your crepe myrtle like a tiny guardian. The midge larva devours aphids, providing a natural pest control solution.
To encourage aphid midges in your garden, plant a diverse range of flowers and reduce pesticide use. This creates a welcoming environment for these beneficial insects to thrive.
8. Thrips
Thrips might be tiny, but their impact is anything but. These slender insects puncture the surface of leaves and flowers, leading to discoloration and premature dropping.
To manage thrips, blue sticky traps can catch them in their tracks. Meanwhile, introducing predatory insects like minute pirate bugs can naturally reduce their numbers.
9. Scale Insects
Scale insects, those sneaky, armored critters, adhere to stems and leaves, sucking the life out of your crepe myrtles. They may be tiny, but their impact is visible as they cause leaves to yellow and drop.
Softening them up with horticultural oil makes them easier to remove manually. Alternatively, systemic insecticides provide an effective solution from within to combat these clingy pests.
10. Cicadas
The loud, buzzing cicadas are like the rock stars of the insect world, but their fame comes with a price. They can cause damage by laying eggs in the branches, which leads to breakage and dieback.
Pruning damaged branches is essential to minimize their impact. Covering young trees with netting during peak cicada season can also help protect them from these noisy threats.
11. Gall Mites
Gall mites, although microscopic, leave behind very noticeable signs on crepe myrtles. They create tiny, abnormal growths or galls on leaves, which can be unsightly and weaken the plant over time.
To manage them, pruning affected areas and disposing of them properly is crucial. Encouraging predatory mites can also help keep gall mite populations under control naturally.
12. Root Weevils
Root weevils, with their distinctive snouts, are notorious for nibbling on crepe myrtle leaves and roots. While adult weevils chew on foliage, their larvae can damage roots, stunting plant growth.
Applying beneficial nematodes to the soil targets larvae, while handpicking adults during night can control the population. Consistent monitoring is key to managing these pesky beetles effectively.
13. Bagworms
Bagworms, those crafty cocoon-builders, can wreak havoc on your crepe myrtles if left unchecked. They create protective bags from leaves and twigs, making them hard to spot at first glance.
Handpicking and destroying these bags is an effective way to control bagworm populations. For larger infestations, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticidal sprays can be used as a more forceful remedy.
14. Mealybugs
Mealybugs, with their fuzzy white appearance, may look harmless, but they are anything but. These pests suck sap, weakening the plant and causing a sticky residue that can lead to sooty mold.
Dabbing them with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs is a simple yet effective control method. Alternatively, neem oil spray offers a more natural way to manage these powdery pests.
15. Grasshoppers
Those leaping legends known as grasshoppers can easily turn your crepe myrtle leaves into lace. Their powerful jaws are capable of causing significant defoliation, especially during a population boom.
Creating a barrier with fine mesh around your plants can deter these jumpy invaders. Additionally, natural predatory insects like birds can help keep their numbers in check effectively.