Willow Flea Beetles: Managing Black Beetles on Weeping Willow

Tiny Black Beetles Covering Your Willow

The sudden appearance of small black beetles on a 50-year-old weeping willow is classic willow flea beetle activity. They skeletonize leaves, drop to the ground, and can be a nuisance.

Control Options

• Contact sprays: Carbaryl (Sevin), spinosad, bifenthrin, permethrin. Apply to foliage; repeat in 7–10 days for full coverage.
• Timing: Spray when beetles are active (usually late spring/early summer).
• Large trees: Hose-end sprayers or professional applicators needed for canopy coverage.

Damage Threshold

Willows tolerate heavy feeding. Only repeated, total defoliation over several years threatens tree health. One season's beetles are mostly cosmetic.

Prevention

No proven preventive. Monitor annually; treat early if populations explode.