Leafminer Controls

Also see Lacewing a general predator.

Steinernema feltiae nematodes foliar for leafminers

For Bulletins on how to use each of these insects in a biocontrol program see Bulletins.

Overview

• Prevention starts with removing infested leaves; avoid pruning citrus tree branches more than once a year.
• Minimize nitrogen fertilizers and avoid them entirely during peak moth activity (summer/fall).
• Conserve naturally occurring parasitic wasps (Cirrospilus and Pnigalio species) by planting a few leafminer-susceptible insectary plantings, such as cineraria.
• Move plants outdoors for exposure to common biocontrols, including ants, true bugs, flies, lacewings, birds and spiders.
• Avoid all pesticide applications that destroy biological controls.
• Use Dacnusa and Diglyphus for leafminers in protected culture, introduced at around one adult for every 10 new mines.
• Wait at least a day after treatment with oils or Spinosad.
• Dacnusa thrives below 70° F in fall, winter or spring with shorter days and lower light levels. It is a good searcher at low pest density, used as a preventive.
• Diglyphus thrives above 68°F up to 90°F and is most useful for knocking down established populations. It kills larvae immediately and increases rapidly.
• Steinernema feltiae (NESF) beneficila nematodes attack soil stages and can be sprayed on leaves indoors. Apply outdoors in the evening or after dark and after a fall rain; maintain soil moisture for as many days as possible.
• Neem oil extracts can be sprayed on new leaves and drenched in soil in greenhouse settings. Horticulture oils work on new flush mainly by suffocating adults and eggs. Timing and thorough coverage critical.
• Pheromone traps are available that attract males for monitoring or mating disruption.
• In greenhouses or indoor grow rooms, insect netting or bench covers prevent adult leafminer flies from reaching plants. Reflective bench covers under plants have been used in outdoor nurseries.

"Scientists are molded to seek the truth and tell it. This ethic is the driving force of my life and I expect it in other scientists. Thus to me it is always a shattering emotional experience when I learn of some devious antic by a scientist or a scientific institution."

Robert van den Bosch 1989. The Pesticide Conspiracy p. 127

Aphid Biocontrol

Mealybug, Scale and Whitefly Biocontrol

Mite and Thrips Biocontrol

Caterpillar (Moth) Biocontrol

Fly Control

Monterey Garden Insect Spray - spinosad

Updated March 2026