PEST ALERT: Keep an eye out for the Viburnum Leaf Beetle

The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB) is an invasive insect that feeds exclusively on and can significantly damage Viburnum species. VLB is native to Europe and has first been spotted in Milwaukee in 2014. The pest is now found scattered across much of Wisconsin. Over the last four years, VLB has rapidly grown to epidemic proportions. Severe VLB infestations can cause complete defoliation of a viburnum shrub, as the beetles feed in both adult and larval stages. In spring, the VLB larvae chew holes in viburnum leaves creating a lace-like pattern. In late June and early July, VLB adults continue eating the tissue between the veins which skeletonize the ...