Pear leafcurling midge

You will notice severely curled pear leaves with reddish discoloration appearing in late spring through early summer. Tiny maggot-like larvae feed inside curled leaves causing the tissue to fold inward. Heavy infestations reduce shoot growth and may deform young fruit. The pest appears in waves corresponding to multiple generations. Pear trees throughout the Puget Sound region are susceptible.

Remove and destroy curled leaves when populations are light. Prune affected shoots to remove larval habitat. Dormant sprays applied before leaves emerge can reduce initial midge emergence. Time growing season applications for late April and May when vulnerable leaf stages appear. Conserve parasitic wasps and other natural enemies. Midge damage is usually cosmetic unless infestations are sustained.