Weeping Elm: Scale Insects and Lacewing Predators

European Elm Scale and Lacewings: Let Nature Work?

Your weeping elm has had European elm scale for years. Now you see tiny flying insects with transparent wings nesting in curled leaves—likely lacewings, which are scale predators. If lacewing populations are high, they may control the scale without chemicals.

If Scales Persist

• Spray with Orthene (acephate) instead of soil-applied imidacloprid, since the tree is only 5 feet from your well.
• Orthene is a contact/systemic foliar spray—no soil application near the water source.

First, monitor: if lacewings suppress the scale, no treatment needed. See UMN guide.