Holly leafminer

Holly leafminer larvae create pale, serpentine tunnels within holly leaf tissue, leaving mines that follow a random, winding pattern across the leaf surface. The damage first appears in summer and becomes increasingly visible as mines enlarge through fall. You see the pale, papery trails within otherwise green leaves on Ilex species. Heavy mining can cause some leaf yellowing and drop, though leaves tolerate light mining.

Remove and destroy heavily mined leaves to reduce overwintering populations. For valuable ornamentals, apply horticultural oil in late winter to target pupae. Once mining is visible, spinosad or neem oil applied to leaf undersides targets young larvae. Apply every 7 to 10 days during mining season. Maintain plant vigor and adequate moisture.