Leafroller

Various leafroller moth caterpillars create rolled and webbed leaf shelters on numerous host plants throughout Western Washington, feeding within the protected area. You notice the distinctive rolled or crumpled leaves tied together with silk webbing; unrolling them reveals pale, active caterpillars that wiggle backward when disturbed. Feeding damage can range from light, cosmetic leaf damage to more serious fruit damage within flower clusters.

Scout host plants in late spring for early leafroller settlement and remove affected leaves by hand if populations are light. For orchards or landscapes with recurring problems, monitor for shelter formation starting in late April. Time spinosad or biological insecticide applications directly to visible shelters. Repeat every 7 to 10 days as new leaves are sheltered.