Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Apr 06, 2011 8:25 pm Howdy I've got about nine dwarf eucalyptus in the garden and I noticed that one of the plants was being colonised by some awful looking bugs...they form small to large groups on the leaves and look like they've been munching. I used the organic Blundstone technique to eradicate them...basically trimmed the leaf off and squished with a size 9. The plants are about 1.5 meters high and are fit and healthy enough to cope with the loss of leaf, chemical treatment would appear an expensive overkill. Also only one of trees appears to be the main target. So any clues as to what these critters are and whether by just keeping an eye on things and applying the Blundstone technique I'll be able to stay on top of it? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Just quietly....they kind of freak me out....a little... mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 2Apr 07, 2011 2:02 am They are fine. Just part of a good garden ecosystem not a laboratory. Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 3Apr 07, 2011 12:43 pm They're eucalyptus leaf beetle larvae. Creepy the way they gather isn't it? Shivers... I think they're called Paropsisterna cloelia, but I might have that wrong as I'm not very good at spelling (particularly from memory!!). I tried a search for 'groups of small yellowish larvae with black heads on eucalyptus leaves' to double check, but was a little too specific perhaps and now the baby is crying, so you're definitely on your own If they are Paropsisterna cloelia though, and there's lots and lots and lots..., you might want to remploy that boot method so the defoliation doesn't get too extreme. Or do what I do, scrape them off and throw them to the birds Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 4Apr 07, 2011 12:56 pm That's the sucker! http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane ... sLeaf4.htm Looks like I got them in time before they matured...but reading the www link I now realised I had some natural friends helping as well...ladybirds were present and plenty of harlequin beetles which were also interested. mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 5Apr 07, 2011 11:58 pm Yes, and that's why I say they are fine Even if the tree gets a bit chewed, who cares, it stimulates new growth later and things just tick along nicely Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 6Apr 08, 2011 2:42 pm Your ladybugs will have a feast Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 8Apr 09, 2011 8:39 am Speaking of wasps Redman - have you noticed far less European ones round this year? We've barely seen any and it was terrible this time last year. Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 9Apr 09, 2011 2:48 pm We have a plague down here in the burbs. There are 5 or 6 in my garden at any time. Last year there were hardly any. It may be the ground itself is too damp for nest building. Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 10Apr 09, 2011 3:07 pm Weird. Last year there were hundreds of the things around all the time in the ranges. Try to eat something outside and you'd have 10 or more trying to steal the meat off your plate. We had to teach our toddler to just sit back and let them get on with it. At least then you can laugh at a stupid wasp trying to carry off a huge lump of chicken. Probably right about the ground though. Good for plants, not for wasps Re: Bugs have got my Dwarf Eucalyptus *queue Lindy voice* 11Apr 09, 2011 3:52 pm Well a week after the great Blundstone Genocide, as it's known in the Eucalyptus Leaf Beetle community, I can report that no new larvae have returned, some beetles have survived but I've left them be because...umm...they are kinda cute. Anyway plants are strong enough to cope with a couple of beetles and the cold/rainy snap will probably finish them off anyway. Let my little native ecosystem sort it out. Although I have an Albany Wollybush which looks likes it's about to cark in...photos later...very sad about this one mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard If so what were the "special circumstances" under which it was granted? "Note: If the development consent is for 'dual occupancy' an owner-builder permit can only be… 0 14586 Thanks mate. Yeah good points! Leaning towards Option 3 to get a bit extra space in the cabinets but not going too crazy high (and expensive). Would require a mini… 13 40927 Hi All, I just wanted to close this topic out with an update. So we ended up agreeing to a number with the insurance company, and after an extensive amount of hand… 8 24432 |