Pear slug (Cherry slug)

You will find olive-green, slug-like larvae with a characteristic shiny slime coating on the upper surfaces of cherry and apricot leaves in late spring. Larvae skeletonize foliage between veins, leaving a lacy pattern. Mature larvae are orange-yellow. Multiple overlapping generations create waves of damage from May through August. Heavy infestations reduce vigor and yield on young trees.

Hand-pick larvae when populations are light and clustered on lower branches. Spray water to dislodge small larvae. Encourage parasitic wasps and predators by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays. Time applications for May and July targeting young larvae. Dormant cultivation may help reduce overwintering pupae. Most established trees tolerate defoliation. Maintain tree vigor through proper irrigation.