Since birch leafminer attacks may weaken the trees, making them more susceptible to borer attack, good fertility and horticultural care are needed. When chemical controls are needed, control of the first generation will generally eliminate any need for additional applications. Since the larvae must find soil for pupation, place a black plastic or tightly woven fiber mulch under the tree drip line. Lightly mulch with organic material so that drying can occur rapidly. Unfortunately, the birches with the finest white bark seem to be more susceptible to the birch leafminer.
Several insecticides have activity that kill adults.
Although the first generation adults are active when the new leaves are about half expanded, emergence may take place over several days. May. Contact insecticides may need to be re-applied every 5 to 10 days depending on their residual activity. Systemic insecticides may not need re-application if their residual activity period is more than 14 days. Pesticides that act against the leafmining larvae are generally more effective. Larval Control Systemic insecticides, especially easily translocated materials, can be applied to the foliage, by soil injection or injected into the tree.