SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city plans to use a pesticide to save eucalyptus trees infested by the red gum psyllid, or lerp.

Nearly 15% of the city’s 13,000 eucalyptus trees have been infected by the insect, which can grow to 3 millimeters in diameter and 2 millimeters tall.

The insects leave sticky substances on leaves before defoliating the trees. Sticky leaves stain sidewalks, plug up pool filters and pile up in storm drains.