Pest identification
What's eating my catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'?
Catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar (Ceratomia catalpae)
Signs: Rapid mass defoliation; large caterpillars with black-and-yellow markings on leaf undersides; weakens trees if defoliation recurs annually
Control: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to young caterpillars; hand-pick small colonies; preserve parasitic wasps by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on new growth; curled, distorted shoot tips; honeydew drip on foliage below
Control: Encourage beneficial insects; knock off with water jets; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for persistent infestations
Deer
Signs: Browse damage to large, soft leaves and young branches; bark rubbing by antlers in autumn on young trunks
Control: Use tree guards on young plants; apply deer repellent around the canopy perimeter; fence newly planted specimens in high-deer-pressure areas
Keep catalpa bignonioides 'aurea' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats catalpa bignonioides — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common catalpa bignonioides 'aurea' problems & fixes
- Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' watering schedule
- Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' light requirements
- Full catalpa bignonioides 'aurea' care guide
Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' pests — FAQ
What is eating my catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'?
Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' shares all the pest vulnerabilities of the species, with the catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar being the most destructive. Its golden foliage may attract aphids more readily than the green-leaved type. Deer will browse young golden-leaved specimens, attracted to the large soft leaves.
How do I get rid of catalpa sphinx moth caterpillar (ceratomia catalpae) on catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'?
Rapid mass defoliation; large caterpillars with black-and-yellow markings on leaf undersides; weakens trees if defoliation recurs annually Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to young caterpillars; hand-pick small colonies; preserve parasitic wasps by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays
How do I get rid of aphids on catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'?
Colonies on new growth; curled, distorted shoot tips; honeydew drip on foliage below Encourage beneficial insects; knock off with water jets; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for persistent infestations
How do I get rid of deer on catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'?
Browse damage to large, soft leaves and young branches; bark rubbing by antlers in autumn on young trunks Use tree guards on young plants; apply deer repellent around the canopy perimeter; fence newly planted specimens in high-deer-pressure areas