The Elm Leaf Beetle may be responsible for major damage to the elm tree population but can be controlled.

Carbaryl banding is easy to do, using small amounts of chemical and is effective in reducing the larval population of the elm leaf beetle. Carbaryl is a contact insecticide, widely used against many plant-eating pests. 

To apply carbaryl:

• Mix 20 ml or 20 gram per 1 litre of water
• Spray in a half-metre band around the trunk, at least 1 metre above the ground

Spraying needs to be done monthly when there are mature elm leaf beetle larvae, usually from November to January. The spray should be reapplied after wet weather.

Carbaryl is available from most nursery outlets and hardware stores.