Red-Headed Pine Sawfly Larvae on Deodar Cedar: Act Fast to Save Your Tree

Not Caterpillars—Sawfly Larvae Require Different Insecticides

The spotted yellow larvae with bright red heads devouring your deodar cedar are red-headed pine sawfly larvae. Like all sawflies, they're unaffected by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Immediate Action

• Spray with any broad-spectrum garden insecticide (carbaryl, permethrin, etc.) for quick knockdown.
• Monitor for reinfestation; sawflies can have multiple generations per year.

Long-Term Concern

Deodar cedar does not readily resprout after needle loss. Even if you kill the larvae, the tree may not recover fully. Assess in spring—if more than 50% of foliage is gone, replacement may be necessary.