Leaf miners in my Columbine

[diana]

One of my Columbines has leaf-miners, BADLY. It is planted in a clump with two other Columbines. Should I move the infected plant so the problem doesn't spread to the other plants? Is there anything I can do to get rid of the miners? How did they get there to begin with?

I've read that Columbines often have this problem and the book said they do nothing to deter flowering (making it seem like I shouldn't worry about it), but I worry. I want the plant to be healthy and happy. I also saw something about cutting the foliage down to the ground to get rid of the miners. Any opinions on that?

Thanks for any help!

Diana

[PlantSwap]

Cultural Control:
Pick and destroy infested leaves.

Organic/Biological Control:
Leafminers are often controlled by parasitic wasps.

Chemical Control:
Treat with a registered insecticide.

leaf miners

Insecticides may help but they are not necessary since this insect is not fatal to the plant - just an aesthetic problem mostly.

columbine leaf miner

[diana]

Very helpful. Thank you.

DL