Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500551
06/24/03
Elm Leaf Beetle
Adults: The adult beetle is approximately 1/4 in.
long (6-8 mm) and dull olive-green in color. There is a
longitudinal black stripe along the outside edge of each
wing cover and an elongate spot at the base of each wing
cover near the center of the body.
In the home: Elm leaf beetle adults create the
greatest nuisance, invading homes in late summer and
early fall. They may become active inside the house if
their hiding places become warm any time throughout the
winter. In the spring, beetles attempt to return
outdoors, and often gather in large numbers around
windows. At this time a vacuum cleaner or broom can be
used to remove the beetles. As additional beetles leave
their hibernating quarters, vacuuming must be repeated.
The spring emergence period (early-mid-April) lasts from
several days to a month. After this period the beetles
will be gone from the house.
Chlorpyrifos (ready to use) may be used to treat
hibernating masses of beetles located in attics and wall
voids.
The severity of infestations can be greatly reduced
by caulking cracks in exterior and interior house walls
and by keeping screens (including screens on attic vents)
in good repair.
For a complete listing of suggested control option
for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your
local Extension Service, found under local government in
the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label.
Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have
any concerns regarding your personal health risk.
Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .