In 2 weeks our church’s bushes have been ravaged by ? Assailant

Question: Hughes Memorial Church is located in 21219, Baltimore County. About 2 weeks ago we noticed “worms” everywhere on the brickwork. Now our bushes have been or in process of being stripped by something we cannot identify. We are asking for assistance in identifying the culprit and next steps. So far approximately 12 full grown foliage bearing bushes have been destroyed. Thank you so much!!!!!

responder: Answered by theHome and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 11:41 AM EDT
response: We are happy to help. First off, do you know what kind of shrubs that the pest is eating? We can't tell much detail from your photos of the type of plant or the caterpillar.  If you can attach more clearly focused photos to this reply we are happy to take a look. You can attach up to three at a time directly to this reply. Given the corky growths on the stems we wonder if the shrub may be a type of Euonymus, (E.alatus), which is commonly known as 'Burning Bush' and which turns firey red in the fall. If so, it may be that the pest is the Euonymus Leaf Notcher, which you can learn about on our page here:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/euonymus-leaf-notcher/ .  We tend to see this caterpillar on other types of Euonymus (and even had another question about it today) but in it's native range it does consume Burning Bush as well. Since it happens early in the season the Euonymus shrubs that we most commonly see them on are able to flush out new leaves without issue. Both species are invasive species in Maryland, with Burning Bush showing up in our wild spaces that should be filled with native shrubs that support the other native flora and fauna that evolved together over eons. More about that here, including possible native replacements when the time comes:  https://extension.umd.edu/resource/burning-bush/   Christine

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 4:21 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Christine! No. This row of bushes is evergreen in nature and does not turn red at all. I will go down this evening and try and get a few pictures.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 06, 2024, 5:22 PM EDT
response: Thank you, we'll wait for the photos. If you can photograph the caterpillars as well (if they are still around), that would also help with ID along with shrub images.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 5:34 PM EDT
response: I’m not sure if these help? These are the two at our back door. They were attacked last and still have a few leaves. Someone at the church has sprayed something (not sure what) to get rid of the “worms”. They definitely are not a burning bush. Thank you for any thoughts you may have. We are grateful.Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Monday, May 6, 2024, 11:41 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 06, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT
response: Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Monday, May 6, 2024, 5:22 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 07, 2024, 10:03 AM EDT
response: Thank you for the photos. Yes, these are indeed Euonymus Leaf Notcher caterpillars on evergreen Euonymus (likely the variety 'Manhattan'). Spraying is not necessary and the larvae are just about done feeding, and any left alive will wander off and form their cocoons. (Caterpillars tend to make good bird and wasp food, so we discourage spraying for that reason as well. Plenty of organisms will eat a bunch for you.) The Euonymus will recover on its own, though if the bare twigs are too much of an eyesore in the meantime, they can be drastically cut back. 'Manhattan' Euonymus grows fast -- it is capable of putting out well over a foot or two of growth per year -- as long as the roots remain healthy.  We have received multiple queries about this non-native caterpillar this season, so they seem to be having a good year. That doesn't necessarily mean that populations will be equally heavy in future years, since many factors play a role in insect outbreaks and population levels. For the future, if an infestation is noticed early enough (well before the caterpillars reach this size and degree of defoliation), there are few lower-toxicity insecticide options that can be sprayed to suppress them.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much. We appreciate your advice and are grateful that this service is available!Sent from the all new AOL app for iOSOn Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 10:03 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied May 07, 2024, 12:22 PM EDT
response: You're welcome!