| So... What are Leafminers? Leafminers are the larvae of various insects including beetles, flies and moths. Larvae are usually very small, reaching between 1/5" and 1/8" in length. The leafminer larvae live inside of the leaves of plants and trees, feeding on the soft, inner plant tissue found between the upper and lower sides of the leaf. They often produce a squiggly looking line on the leaves as they eat or their eating may produce a mottled appearance on the leaves. Although leafminers rarely kill or seriously injure a plant, it will give it an unpleasant appearance. Reproduction Patterns of Leafminers Leafminers are the larval stage of a variety of insects. The female adult lays its eggs inside or on the underside of the leaves. When the eggs hatch, the outside larvae tunnel into the leaves to feed for up to 3 weeks, creating the tunnel-like appearance often seen on foliage.  Some larvae may create a mottled look from their feeding. When the larvae are done feeding and are ready to pupate, they eat their way out of the leaves and drop to the ground to pupate. Some, however will pupate within the leaf when it has finished feeding. There are typically 2-3 generations in a season, depending on weather and climate. Leafminer's Habitat Leafminers can be found throughout the United States, although they are not as ruinous in the northern states. Leafminers may inhabit a variety of plants and trees, including spinach, cale, peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins and squash plants, as well as cottonwood, birch, aspen and Ponderosa pine trees. Arborvitae can also be infested by these pests. Safer®Brand brings you a variety of effective insect control products that are gentler on the environment! Most of them proudly display the OMRI Listed® organic seal and comply for use in organic gardening! 
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