Pests in the birch - these are the most common
Birch trees can be affected by a wide variety of parasites. In German-speaking countries, the following species are mostly concerned.
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Birch leaf roller
According to its name, the birch leaf roller causes leaves to be rolled up. These only hang brown and dead on the birch and many other tree species. It is a three to five millimeter large beetle with a dotted wing cover.
Usually there is not much damage. You can prevent the annoying sight by keeping an affected one Leaf of birch remove as soon as possible. Loosening the leaf wrap will reduce the infestation for the next year.
Great birch sawfly
The approximately 25 millimeter large caterpillars of the birch sawfly cause heavy feeding on the edges of the leaves. This can extend to completely bare trees. In general, however, the damage is limited and does not require countermeasures. It may be advisable to remove leaves that are heavily covered with caterpillars.
Thrips
Silvery speckled leaves are usually an indication that so-called thrips or fringed wings have attached themselves to the birch. Unless the invasion is life threatening on a large scale, there is no need to intervene. If necessary, the tree regulates the problem itself by shedding the affected leaves prematurely.
Various types of aphids
In the case of aphids, what is recommended for thrips also applies: Observe the tree and only help with pesticides if there is a strong infestation. Lavender placed near the tree may help.
Birch bug
If your birch is populated by about five millimeters small brown animals with black dots, it is probably birch bugs. They are noticeable through their pronounced eating behavior, but in principle they do not harm the tree.
Rather, they become a nuisance to the garden owner, because the bugs multiply at breakneck speed and like to get away from them Birch in the garden straight into the house. There they chirp annoyingly and cause an acrid smell. The only thing that helps here is prevention, ideally with fine-meshed window nets. Pests that have already arrived in the house can be sprayed with lavender water and then carefully swept away.
