Hackberry Nipple Gall Maker

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PestControlBasics Editorial Team

Reviewed by Derek Giordano · Updated 2026

Illustrated identification guide — PestControlBasics.com

🔍 Identification

Adults: 2-3mm; tan to brown; large hind legs; jump readily when disturbed — often mistaken for fleas. Found near hackberry trees (Celtis species) in September-October. The diagnostic: hackberry nipple galls on leaves — round bumps on the upper leaf surface, each caused by a psyllid nymph inside.

🧬 Biology & Behavior

Develop inside the distinctive nipple galls on hackberry leaves through summer. Adults emerge in fall and aggregate on warm surfaces (south-facing windows, light-colored walls) seeking overwintering sites — drawn to warmth. They enter through any gap.

⚠️ Damage & Health Risk

Nuisance aggregation; indoor entry through window screens (they're small enough to pass through standard mesh); jumping behavior causes flea alarm; no biting, no damage, no breeding indoors.

🔧 DIY Treatment

September bifenthrin spray on south-facing walls and window frames. Seal window screen gaps. Reduce exterior lighting. Indoor individuals die naturally — vacuum. No persistent infestation possible without hackberry hosts.

👷 When to Call a Pro

Rarely warranted for this species alone.

❓ FAQ

Are hackberry psyllids the same as fleas?

No — hackberry psyllids are plant-feeding true bugs (Hemiptera) that jump. Fleas are parasitic insects that bite and reproduce on animal hosts. Psyllids cannot survive on humans or pets, do not bite, and are only associated with hackberry trees. The jumping behavior is the only similarity.

How do I stop hackberry psyllids?

You can reduce them with September perimeter spray and screen sealing, but the only complete solution is removing hackberry trees from the property — usually not practical or desirable since they're native trees. The problem is seasonal (4-6 weeks) and self-limiting.

Factor	Details
U.S. Range	All or most U.S. states
Regional Detail	Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

Factor

Details

U.S. Range

All or most U.S. states

Regional Detail

Distribution varies — consult your local extension service for regional prevalence data.

📅 Treatment Timing Guide

Treating at the right time dramatically improves results. Pest control timed to the life cycle uses less product and achieves better long-term control.

Period	Action
Spring	Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.
Summer	Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.
Fall	Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

Period

Action

Spring

Inspection and perimeter treatment before pest season starts.

Summer

Active monitoring and targeted treatments as needed.

Fall

Preventive treatment before overwintering pests seek entry.

💰 Professional Treatment Costs

Service Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Initial inspection	Free (self-inspect)	$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)
One-time treatment	$30–$100 in materials	$150–$500
Annual service contract	N/A	$400–$900/year
Severe infestation	Often ineffective alone	$500–$2,500+

Service Type

DIY Cost

Professional Cost

Initial inspection

Free (self-inspect)

$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)

One-time treatment

$30–$100 in materials

$150–$500

Annual service contract

N/A

$400–$900/year

Severe infestation

Often ineffective alone

$500–$2,500+

Prices vary by region, property size, and infestation severity.

❓ Common Questions About 🐛 Hackberry Nipple Gall Maker

How do I confirm I actually have this pest (not something similar)?

The most reliable confirmation is a physical specimen — capture one and compare to reference images on this page. For cryptic pests (bed bugs, termites), look for secondary signs: frass, shed skins, mud tubes, or bites with a specific pattern. When uncertain, a professional inspection is faster than months of misidentification.

Can I treat this myself or do I need a professional?

DIY is effective for small, accessible infestations caught early. Professionals are worth the cost when: the infestation is inside wall voids or structural elements, multiple rooms are affected, you have health-risk pests (hantavirus, venomous species), or DIY has already failed twice.

How long until the infestation is completely gone?

Expect 3–8 weeks for most infestations with proper treatment. Insects with dormant life stages (pupae, eggs) extend the timeline because those stages are impervious to most insecticides. Follow-up treatments at 2 and 4 weeks catch each new cohort as they emerge.

What's the most common mistake people make treating this pest?

Treating only the visible pest population while ignoring the harborage site, entry point, or breeding location. Killing adults provides temporary relief but the population rebuilds from hidden egg cases, pupae, or new arrivals through unaddressed entry points.

🐛 Hackberry Nipple Gall Maker