Question
QUESTION: my holly bush/tree has an infestation.  I pulled one of the infected leaves that had turned yellow and saw a small worm-like pest. What is this and how do I treat it?
ANSWER: Gabrielle,

If the insect was inside the leaf, then you have Holly Leaf Miner. This insect can only be controled using a systemic insecticide such as Orthene or Disyston. You can buy Orthene (active ingredient Acephate) at your local nursery or Home Depot or Lowes.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know this sounds silly, but everything I have read states to treat in April.  Do the leaf miners mature in May (i.e. hence no immediate issue until next spring)?

Answer
Gabrielle,

The adult fly begins to lay their eggs in the leaves around late April through May. Trying to control the adult is nearly impossible, so the treatment is aimed at the larvae in the leaves. Go to http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG189/html/Native_Holly_Leafminer.HTML for more details.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen