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Pear slugs otherwise known as Cherry slugs are said to the larvae of sawfly insect and do not come under the slug group. They are considered to be serious pests which damage the Cherry trees, plum trees, pear tree and ash trees, especially in mountain regions. Physically, they appear dark in color and look like a tadpole that can grow about 2 inches lengthwise.
The life cycle of sawfly initiates with laying of eggs over the leaf surface which later hatches into larvae and after feeding the plant leaves for about three weeks the larvae gets transformed into next generation adult sawfly. Leaves of the trees are their main area of infestation. The leaf part between the veins is consumed by the insect leaving the skeleton of the leaf. Sometimes they feed on the upper part of the leaf alone. When their consumption is more, the leaves of the tree become dry and drop down from the branch. Since they attack only leaves the plant life is least affected, but then they need to be controlled because there is a chance of destroying the whole plant if they get multiplied in their population.
Organic sprays can be helpful in repelling the insect from the leaves. Insecticidal soap of neem oil and various other horticultural oils can inhibit the eggs from hatching and defend the action of larvae over the leaves. Even if the larvae reach the adult stage, the spray of neem oil can control the insect from breeding. The oil of neem is said to be organic in nature, and it is bio-degradable as well. Therefore, the product ensures safety of the environment on its application.
Environmental Protection Agency, US certified Pure Neem oil can be used suitably for this purpose. Preparation of neem oil spray is important as if the concentration of the spray is less, then the application becomes useless. Add 5 ml of Neem oil in 1 gallon of water with some soap detergents for easy spray. Practice spraying neem oil once or twice in a week for effective control of the larvae.
Author: Adam Teaser - neem
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