Symptoms
Sawflies resemble caterpillars and feed in groups on needles and foliage.
What Will Happen To My Landscape?
Sawflies feed heavily on plants making them weak and susceptible to other insect and disease problems. Also Sawflies have been related to lower fruit counts and reduced flowering of trees and shrubs. The insects actually saw the needles off the branch. If sawflies are allowed to defoliate a plant year after year it can lead to the destruction of the plant.
What Can I Do About Sawflies?
Chemical control is generally your only option to control sawflies. Most local hardware stores carry insecticides that will control sawflies. Because these sprays can cause injury to certain plants, read the label thoroughly before using and apply according to the directions. Some sawflies have multiple hatching periods so more than one insecticide application may be required for complete control. Combating sawflies can be a timely and unpleasant weekend task!
How Can Natural Way Help?
Prevention is the key in controlling sawflies. Here at Natural Way we have certified professionals who are used to preventing and controlling insects like sawflies. Our 6 Point Protection Program will provide several critically timed sprays to the landscape that will help control sawflies, extend the life of the landscape and minimize overall damage.
Even though sawflies will not generally kill a plant by themselves, the plant or tree will become more susceptible to other problems and its appearance will be unsightly.

Photo of Sawfly damage to a Pine tree – credit: John H. Ghent, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org