Skeletonized Hibiscus Leaves: Low-Toxicity Fix

A 15-year-old hardy hibiscus in Woburn, MA has leaves eaten to lace-like skeletons—only veins remain. Started last year.

Damage Type: Skeletonizing

Caused by various insects: Japanese beetles, sawfly larvae, certain caterpillars, leaf beetles. The culprit eats soft tissue between veins.

Recommended Treatment: Spinosad

• Derived from soil bacteria; very low toxicity to mammals, birds.
• Effective on chewing insects (caterpillars, beetles, sawflies).
• Apply when larvae are active; follow label.
• Most healthy plants recover fully once feeding stops.

Identify the pest if possible (check leaf undersides at night), but spinosad covers most skeletonizers. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficials.