What Are These Bugs Popping Up Everywhere In Lubbock, TX?

For some reason, I have been seeing SO MANY of these little beetle-looking bugs all over inside and outside of my house in Lubbock. Every time I see them I wonder what they even are.

Well, it turns out they are called Elm Leaf Beetles and are an invasive species native to Central Asia.

Are Elm Leaf Beetles dangerous?

Unless you are either an elm tree or a leaf from said tree, then no, these beetles are herbivores that cannot bite and do not spread any venom or diseases.

They can, however, cause serious damage to your elm trees, specifically to the leaves themselves. The larvae of these beetles eat the underside of them between the veins on the leaf.

If you feel that you have an infestation, just check your elm leaves. If they appear shriveled or as if only the skeleton is visible, that's a good sign that you have these guys as roommates in your yard.

How can I get rid of Elm Leaf Beetles from my property?

First off, there are some natural controls that can often get the job done for you. These can include extreme cold temperatures in the winter and native predators like earwigs, stink bugs and ladybird beetles (A.K.A. "ladybugs").

If you'd like to take matters into your own hands and take a more '007' approach, then there are multiple insecticide options to explore. It's just important to make sure you avoid harming the helpful insects and the plants themselves in the process.