Callistemon help please

busta · Post by **busta** » July 31st, 2012, 9:28 am

Hi guys

just over a year ago i collected this Callistemon, it seems to be doing well but it keeps getting these cobweb type bundles on it. Does anyone know what it is from. I have looked closely at it and can't see any obvious insects ( even though i am sure it is from some little bugger). this is the second time this has happened to this tree in just over a year. I have sprayed it with confidour a couple time. I also have some other Callistemons - little Johns that were collected around the same time and they have had the same problem.

Any help on this would be appreciated.

Thanks
Matt

banksia · Post by **banksia** » July 31st, 2012, 9:58 am

Webbing catepillar for sure!. I've had it before, but in no way this heavy...sorry to say. I'd say removal of all affected growth and treat with either Rogor or Malathion at suggested dosage.
This can be a nasty thing to have around so make sure all your others are treated and destroy everything that you remove to prevent any further outbreaks.

Cheers!
Anthony

P.S Little John's are particulary susceptible to this.

busta · Post by **busta** » July 31st, 2012, 10:29 am

Thanks Anthony
Will get onto it today. this is also the smallest of the out-breaks that i have had. The other time was considerably bigger! lol.

matt

MattA · Post by **MattA** » July 31st, 2012, 12:05 pm

This is a common problem with all Callistemon & there isnt much you can do to prevent them, native species in its native habitat with native pest. The caterpillars spend the day protected in the web & come out at night to feed, if you simply remove all the webbing & leaf matter during the day you remove them as well. I check my trees daily & remove any I see, this prevents them getting to the proportions you have now. With such a heavy infestation you could go the chemical route to destroy the caterpillars but you still have to remove the webbing by hand.

busta · Post by **busta** » July 31st, 2012, 2:31 pm

Thanks Matt
Wish i had asked for advise the first time it happened, even though i did remove the web by hand and sprayed them. At least now i know what it is.

Do you know when the best time to work on Callistemons would be, ie give it is first styling?

Thanks again.
Matt

banksia · Post by **banksia** » July 31st, 2012, 3:17 pm

Matt!. If you go into Australian Native Species in the main index you'll find the sub-category "Callistemon". Here you'll find a wealth of knowledge on the species.

Cheers!
Anthony

MattA · Post by **MattA** » July 31st, 2012, 3:57 pm

busta wrote:
Do you know when the best time to work on Callistemons would be, ie give it is first styling?

I would wait till after flowering then go for it.

busta · Post by **busta** » July 31st, 2012, 4:07 pm

Awesome. Thanks guys !

Anth · Post by **Anth** » July 31st, 2012, 4:40 pm

I had the same thing earlier in the year as soon as I saw it I cut them off and burnt them to make sure I killed them all. Havnt seen them since.

toohey · Post by **toohey** » July 31st, 2012, 5:57 pm

I really recommend Dipel. It kills catepillars and has no affect on the tree.
Michael Toohey

shibui · Post by **shibui** » August 1st, 2012, 10:22 pm

I second the dipel for all caterpillar problems - only toxic to caterpillars. Spray on the tree and they will ingest it when they come out to feed at night.
Removing the webs can be hit or miss. The tiny caterpillars often make an escape by dropping to the ground when disturbed and are ready to climb back up when the coast is clear.
New moths will fly in from nearby plants and lay eggs so control needs to be ongoing in most places.

busta · Post by **busta** » August 2nd, 2012, 9:51 am

thanks Shibui and Toohey.
Dipel it is then, i will pick some up today and get on top of it.
I appreciate everyone's help!

Matt

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