Crabapple Defoliation: Identify Pest Before Spraying

Situation

3 crabapples: leaves eaten, only stems left. No insects, caterpillars, nests, webs visible now.

Expert Advice

• Past pest gone? Or hiding?
• Do not spray blindly. Wrong insecticide = waste + harm beneficials.
• Collect specimens (even frass/pellets) → garden center or County Extension for ID.
• Rake/destroy fallen leaves/stems NOW (overwintering sites).
• Spray ONLY when activity seen next season, with correct product for ID'd pest.

Common Crabapple Pests

• Eastern tent caterpillar (spring webs).
• Fall webworm (late summer nests).
• Japanese beetle (skeletonizing).
• Apple scab (fungus — leaves spot/drop, not eaten).

ID first, spray second. Rake debris now regardless.