Q How do I recognise slugworm damage?

A Slugworms are small, yellowish, almost club-shaped caterpillars, covered with a black slimy secretion, which feed by grazing on the foliage of pears from late spring until the middle of autumn. The damaged areas on the leaves turn brown and dry.

Caption: Slugworms feed on pear leaves.

Q How can I help plants that are attacked by slugworm?

A If damage has been severe, feeding, mulching and watering to encourage plenty of new growth should be beneficial.

Q How can I prevent slugworm attack?

A The damage caused is rarely serious enough to merit any treatment but, on a very small tree, squashing the caterpillars by hand may be worthwhile.