What are the Little Bugs on my American Elderberry Shrub?

As a proud owner of an American elderberry shrub (Sambucus canadensis), you may have noticed some tiny insects crawling on the leaves, stems or flowers. These bugs are likely attracted to your elderberry for feeding, shelter, or laying eggs. Identifying the specific insect pest can help you control them and protect your plant. In this article we’ll explore some of the most common bugs found on elderberries and how to manage them organically.

Aphids

One of the most prevalent pests on elderberries are aphids, tiny pear-shaped insects that congregate in clusters on tender new growth. Look for colonies of green, yellow, black, or white bugs on the undersides of leaves or at the tips of branches. Aphids pierce plant tissue and suck out the sugary sap, leaving sticky residues on foliage.

High populations can cause curled, stunted leaves and buds. Aphids also spread viral diseases. Organic control methods include spraying insecticidal soap neem oil or strong blasts of water to dislodge them. Ladybugs and other beneficial insects help control light infestations.

Elderberry Beetles

Elderberry beetles are a type of scarab beetle named for their affinity for elderberry shrubs. Around 1/2 inch long, these beetles are metallic green with yellow stripes and black spots. They skeletonize leaves by eating just the green material and leaving behind vein structures. Heavy feeding can seriously defoliate shrubs. Pick them off by hand or apply neem oil to deter them.

Elder Borer Beetles

The elder borer beetle’s larvae are the most damaging stage of this pest. Adults lay eggs on bark crevices and the emerging caterpillars burrow into stems to feed causing dieback. Look for exit holes in the bark. Clip off and destroy infested stems. Keep plants healthy to withstand borer damage. Beneficial nematodes can kill larvae in soil.

Scale Insects

Scales are immobile, sap-sucking insects that look like tiny bumps adhered to stems and leaves. Common types include oystershell scale, white wax scale, and European fruit lecanium scale. They secrete a waxy coating for protection. Heavy scale infestations cause yellowing, stunting, and dieback. Use a soft brush and insecticidal soap to scrub off scales. Horticultural oils and neem also smother scales.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are a highly invasive pest in the U.S. Adults are metallic green and copper winged, around 1⁄2 inch long. They skeletonize leaves and chew blooms, doing extensive damage in large numbers. Hand pick early or use pheromone traps to capture them. Spinosad and neem deter feeding. Cover shrubs with floating row covers to exclude them.

Leafhoppers

Tiny, wedge-shaped leafhoppers jump and fly away when disturbed. Look for white cast nymph skins on the undersides of leaves as evidence of their presence. Using piercing mouthparts, they suck cell contents, causing stippled, curling, yellowed foliage. Sticky barriers or reflective mulch deter them from plants. Insecticidal soap provides control.

Elder Bark Beetles

Elder bark beetles bore into elderberry twigs and branches, hollowing them out. Adults are small black beetles. Heavy infestations cause dieback. Prune off and destroy infested stems. Keep plants healthy with regular pruning and watering. Spray neem oil directly into borer holes.

Spider Mites

Nearly microscopic, spider mites form webbing on underside of leaves and cause stippled discoloration. Their feeding damages chlorophyll. Leaves turn bronzed and dry out under heavy mite feeding. Knock them off with a strong spray of water. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil works well. Release predatory mites to naturally control them.

Elder Shoot Borer Moth

The caterpillars of the elder shoot borer moth tunnel into leaf petioles and young shoots, damaging growth. Adults are gray moths. Once inside, larvae hollow out pith and leave sawdust-like frass. Remove and destroy infested shoots. Keep plants vigorously growing. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray kills young larvae.

Tips for Managing Pests

• Monitor plants frequently for early detection
• Remove bugs by hand or prune out infested parts
• Use row covers as a physical barrier
• Rely on natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantis
• Apply neem, insecticidal soap or horticultural oils
• Maintain proper care and pruning for plant vigor
• Accept minor damage on ornamental plants

With vigilance and integrated pest management, you can protect your elderberry shrub from bug infestations. A healthy, thriving plant can better withstand occasional insect damage. If pest problems persist, consult your local extension office for targeted control methods. Proper identification is key to managing unwanted bugs on your American elderberry shrub.