Table of Contents
Here is a thorough guide to identifying tree pests and how to control them
Pests love trees, some head straight to leaves while others attack fruits. Some of these pests are worst than others. They invade through the bark and cut off the tree’s water supply. Healthy trees usually bounce back from pest attacks. However, repeated infestations can be fatal for a tree. Read this guide to promptly identify and control pest infestations.
Identifying Tree Borers
- Tree borers are often the most dangerous type of pests. They bore into the trunk, and munch on the roots or branches causing a tree to die in no time. Some tree borers lay eggs on the trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow deeply into the wood. As a result, the water flow of the tree is hindered.
Watch out for the following signs:
- Entry or exit holes in the bark
- Small heaps of sawdust at the base of the tree
- Wilting of different sections of the tree crown.
Identifying Tree Suckers
- Tree suckers are another harmful type of pest. They draw the liquid from the leaves and twigs and excrete a sticky, sweet substance. This substance is known as honeydew. Honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold on leaves, damaging your tree even further.
The following signs indicate suckers inhabit a tree:
- Formation of scales on branches
- Dead leaves
- Presence of sticky honeydew
Identifying Emerald Ash Borer
- An emerald ash borer is a small metallic green-colored beetle. This tiny beetle is responsible for destroying millions of ash trees in different states. The emerald ash borer is native to Asia. It reached the United States, hidden in wood packing materials.
It is harmful to all species of ash trees. Since the larvae of the ash borer feed on the inner bark of ash trees, it cuts off the water and nutrient supply of the tree. It takes only a few years for an infested tree to die completely. However, if you catch the pests early, there is hope.
Here are a few ways to identify emerald ash borer:
- The beetle is about half an inch in length and an eighth of an inch wide.
- Foliage is thin, yellow, or wilted.
- Since woodpeckers eat emerald ash borer larvae hidden under the bark, you will find more woodpeckers than usual.
- Pecking holes in the tree.
- D-shaped exit holes.
- Shoots growing from tree trunks or roots.
Controlling Tree Pests
Healthy trees can withstand occasional pest attacks without being damaged. Water and fertilize your trees regularly. Add mulch and prune throughout the year.- Pruning should be done in late fall or winter; this would prevent open wounds that attract pests.
- Remove the dead and fallen branches right away.
- The emerald ash borer larvae can survive for several days in the bark of firewood. It is better to purchase local firewood.
- Ask the supplier to know where the firewood came from.
- Regularly inspect your trees to observe any signs of pest infestation and act fast to control them.
Consult with your arborist to set up a proper tree care plan that includes preventive measures to control insects before they get a chance to attack. In addition, experts can detect signs of pests and treat infestations with specialized insecticide applications.
Sometimes a pest infestation can be controlled and eliminated by pruning the affected branches of the tree. If you are unsure whether your tree has been infested with a pest, contact American Tree Experts Inc today. Call us at 973-774-6091 today, and let us help you with all your tree and plant pest management needs.