It's a form of defence I believe when under attack. I've noticed the smell when walking past neighbours shrubs with the dog after rain too. The damage by the beetles is always huge around here.
Viburnum beetles are a menace and can completely destroy the foliage. At this time of year, an insecticidal spray may be the only way of killing of th larvae (which look like small catepillars).
The thickness and appearance of leaves suggest it's an evergreen Viburnum. At the back end of Summer or early Autumn, you need to make a very close inspection of the main stems and remove any dead wood as this is where future infestations will manifest.
The beetles lay eggs in dead wood and over the winter, the eggs develop into the larvae that hatch in spring and cause mayhem.
Thank you so much for the advice meeomye. That is exactly what is happening. I have poor eyesight and couldn't see the little blighters but my son in law spotted them straight away so they'll be dealt with swiftly.
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It's a form of defence I believe when under attack. I've noticed the smell when walking past neighbours shrubs with the dog after rain too. The damage by the beetles is always huge around here.
Last edited: 01 May 2017 17:44:28
Viburnum beetles are a menace and can completely destroy the foliage. At this time of year, an insecticidal spray may be the only way of killing of th larvae (which look like small catepillars).
The thickness and appearance of leaves suggest it's an evergreen Viburnum. At the back end of Summer or early Autumn, you need to make a very close inspection of the main stems and remove any dead wood as this is where future infestations will manifest.
The beetles lay eggs in dead wood and over the winter, the eggs develop into the larvae that hatch in spring and cause mayhem.
Thank you so much for the advice meeomye. That is exactly what is happening. I have poor eyesight and couldn't see the little blighters but my son in law spotted them straight away so they'll be dealt with swiftly.
A huge thank you to everyone for taking the trouble to offer sound advice. I shall definitely act upon all your suggestions. Valerie.