Birch leaf miner is one of the most common leaf problems that distress homeowners. Birch leaf miners are the caterpillar-like larvae of at least 3 or 4 species of tiny sawflies that mine birch leaves. Sawflies are named for the saw-like ovipositor (egg-layer) at the ends of the female’s abdomens. The female sawfly cuts a slit in a birch leaf with her ovipositor and lays an egg inside the leaf. The Birch Leaf Miner does this in late May and a second generation follows two weeks later. Other similar species perform their egg laying later in the spring or summer.
Sawflies over winter as pupae in the soil beneath a birch tree. In spring the emerging adults mate and the females fly to birch leaves to lay their eggs.
Brown patches on birch leaves is the evidence of feeding of the caterpillar-like larvae inside the birch leaf. If an affected leaf is held to the light, the leaf appears hollow and black frass (larval excrement) can be seen. The larva may also still be feeding inside the leaf.
Birch trees may not be attacked every year, and unsightly as it is, the damage is mainly cosmetic.
- Chemical sprays are not effective, since the larvae are protected inside the leaf. Cygon, a systemic pesticide that was once used as a soil drench is no longer available and should not be used because of its toxicity to other organisms.
- Natural populations of predaceous non-stinging wasps have these sawflies under control. Infestations will be brought naturally under control and damage will be limited, and may not recur every year.
- Keep your birch well-watered, as birch need more water than most trees. Birch health is mainly a function of how much water they receive.