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 its 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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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.