Eyespotted bud moth

Eyespotted bud moth larvae feed on plum and cherry buds and developing leaves in Western Washington, causing damaged buds to fail to open or producing deformed leaves. You will see brown, damaged buds in spring; affected shoots have stunted, misshapen foliage. This pest is generally minor in home gardens. Damage may be confused with frost damage.

No specific management is typically required for this minor pest. Prune out damaged buds and shoots in early spring if appearance is important. Dormant oil applied in late winter may reduce overwintering larval populations. Most affected trees recover fully in subsequent growing seasons. Natural enemies usually keep populations low enough that damage is barely noticeable.