Are you seeing small bumps on the leaves of your plants? These bumps could be caused by gall wasps. Here’s what you need to know about these tiny insects.
For non-aggressive wasps I've had great luck spraying nests with this Spectracide wasp remover in the evening. For a nest up high in an eave, soffit, or tree, this Gotcha pole adapter clamps onto the can so you can spray from the end of an extension pole and treat the nest from 10+ feet away instead of standing right under it. And for anything aggressive I wear this ridiculous-looking upper torso beekeeping suit and keep my distance. It seems silly, but trust me, I learned the hard way.
Gall wasps are small insects that typically measure less than 1/8 inch in length. They’re often found on oak trees, but they can also affect other types of plants. Female gall wasps lay their eggs on the leaves or stems of trees or plants. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the plant tissue, causing a growth called a gall.
In most cases, gall wasps are not harmful to the overall health of the plant. The galls may look unsightly, but they don’t usually cause significant harm. However, if your plant is already stressed or weakened, the presence of gall wasps could further damage it.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of galls on your plants, there are a few things you can do to control gall wasps:
If you see small bumps on the leaves or stems of your plants, they may be caused by gall wasps. While these insects aren’t harmful in most cases, they can be unsightly. By pruning affected branches, using beneficial insects, or applying insecticides, you can keep these pests under control and ensure the health of your plants.
For a complete overview of wasp species found across North America, see our Wasp Identification: Complete Homeowner Guide.
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