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Elm Leaf Beetle
In early 2016, an infestation of Elm Leaf Beetle (Xanthogaleruca luteola) was observed on many of Bathurst's mature Elm trees. Elm Leaf Beetles are around 6mm long and yellowish to olive green with black stripes. The beetles hibernate in sheltered places during winter and emerge in spring to feed on young leaves and lay eggs. The larvae of the beetle hatch shortly after and feed on the leaves throughout summer. Adult beetles eat holes in the leaves, while the larvae skeletonise the leaves of the Elms.
Bathurst Regional Council has implemented an ongoing program to treat the Elms on public land, including parks, road reserves and other open spaces. In 2016, a total of 600 Elms were stem injected with pesticide which will protect the tree against attack for 2-3 years. Council will continue to monitor and retreat the trees as part of an ongoing program.
Council encourages property owners with Elm Trees to control the beetle to limit future infestations. Further information including control measures can be found in the attached brochure(PDF, 2MB), prepared by Friends of the Elms Inc.