How to identify and get rid of sawflies

Sometimes, nature confuses us about what we are actually looking at. Then, when we humans finally figure things out, we make things even more confusing with our names!

That's the story of sawflies. These caterpillar-like insects go munching on plants, but they aren't caterpillars. As adults, they look like flies, yet they are wasps. Non-stinging wasps, that is. And with all that confusion, someone decided to call them slugs.

Sawflies are related to bees, wasps, and ants, but they lack the thin waist that wasps and ants have. Their name comes from their saw-like ovipositor, the organ that lays eggs. The female uses it to cut into the plant and lay her eggs into leaves, needles, or new plant growth.

Sawflies are only a problem in outdoor plants, as the larvae congregate together and chew on leaves until they strip your favorite plants bare. However, with some keen observation and a few garden-friendly tactics, you can save your greenery from these leaf-loving pests without reaching for harsh chemicals.

Sawflies are unique insects in both their larval and adult forms. As larvae, they often appear like caterpillars or slugs. They have a smooth body with little to no hair, and unlike caterpillars, they have two single eyes instead of a cluster of ocelli. Additionally, caterpillars will have 2-5 pairs of prolegs, whereas sawfly larvae will have six or more prolegs. These prolegs aren't true legs but fleshy appendages that help the larvae walk. The sawfly prolegs also won't have hooks on them.

Adult sawflies will look somewhat wasp-like but won't have a thin waist. Instead, it will have a broad waist and lacks a stinger.

Signs of infestation include visible larvae on plants, skeletonized leaves, and, in severe cases, complete defoliation. Sawflies enjoy munching on leaves, leaving behind a trail of destruction on affected plants similar to leaf miners.

How big are sawflies?

Sawflies can vary in size but generally range from 1/4 to 1 inch in length.

What other pests look like a sawfly?

Sawfly larvae can be mistaken for caterpillars or sometimes slugs. The damage can be similar, too. Adult sawflies can be mistaken for either wasps or certain flies.

Sawflies are found across the United States. Some species will only be found on their preferred host plant.

If you're looking for some ways to get rid of sawflies, then here are a few options:

• Remove larvae by hand where possible.
• Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects.
• Maintain plant health to help them resist and recover from damage.
• Use water sprays to dislodge larvae from plants.

You can also spray an insect barrier around your property for year-round protection. Pestie offers a pro-grade solution that comes to your door when you need it most. Check out our DIY plan so you can save hundreds on pest control this year.