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GOOSEBERRY SAWFLY
The Gooseberry Sawfly catterpillars ('Nematus ribesii) not
only feeds on gooseberry leaves but also the leaves of red and
white currants.
The caterpillars are easily identifiable as
having distinct black spots all over their light green bodies.
They leave the fruit alone entirely but can strip a bush of all
it's foliage in a month or so.
The first sign of damage will be noticed at the
base of the bushes. This is where the eggs are laid and where
the caterpillars hatch and first look for food.
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TO THE GARDEN PEST AND DISEASE MAIN PAGE FOR
PESTS AND DISEASES CLASSIFIED BY PLANT
How to Treat Gooseberry Sawfly
Preventative treatment consists of spraying the tree with
derris (safe to humans and garden wildlife) when the Gooseberry
Sawfly caterpillars are first noticed. This is likely to be
around June time although they can be active up to the end of
September.
Other preventative treatment is to clear all
fallen leaves and debris from around the base of the bushes
making it less likely that the flies will lay their eggs around
your precious bush fruit!
Chemical treatments are available to treat this
pest at your garden centre or nursery. Be sure to check that
they are safe for use on fruit which is to be eaten.
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