Hackberry Emperor
MODERATEAsterocampa celtis
Overview
What a nice evening with around 40 folks at Cedar Hill State Park -- we put up blacklights and spotted quite a few neat bugs, despite the pretty intense heat and drought.
- Type
- Insect
- Severity
- MODERATE
- Source
- iNaturalist
Symptoms
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Targeted Insecticide Application
Apply appropriate insecticide following label directions. Timing is critical — treat during the vulnerable larval or adult emergence stage for maximum effectiveness.
Biological Control Agents
Introduce or encourage natural predators and parasitoids. Options include releasing predatory beetles, parasitic wasps, or applying Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) for caterpillar pests.
Infested Material Removal
Prune and destroy infested branches and plant material. Remove fallen debris that may harbor eggs or larvae. Dispose of material away from healthy trees.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Hackberry Emperor. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Knocks down soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and scale crawlers.
Smothers overwintering eggs and crawlers; dormant or summer rates.
Soil-applied protection taken up by the tree for season-long control.
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hackberry Emperor?
What a nice evening with around 40 folks at Cedar Hill State Park -- we put up blacklights and spotted quite a few neat bugs, despite the pretty intense heat and drought.
What are the symptoms of Hackberry Emperor?
Where is Hackberry Emperor currently found?
Hackberry Emperor is currently active in Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Maryland, Kansas, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Louisiana. It has been reported in 13 total states across the United States.
How do I treat Hackberry Emperor?
Treatment options for Hackberry Emperor include: Targeted Insecticide Application, Biological Control Agents, Infested Material Removal. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.