If you know what to look for, tree insects leave clues? Don’t wait until it gets so best that your only option is removal and replacement. Understand what insects will try to hurt your trees and shrubbery and catch them before they do the damage.
Here are the types of pests that can do major damage to your trees and shrubs and the signs they leave.
Chewing Insects
The hallmark of insects is unsightly feeding damage where they consume leaves or needles and the results of their presence can be very noticeable on your property. Minor defoliation is typically not a serious problem for otherwise healthy trees. Repeated loss of leaf surface or severe infestation over several years can significantly reduce a plant’s ability to grow and thrive or even kill it.
What to Look for?
- Unseasonable loss of leaves
- Holes in leaves
- Complete removal of leaf tissue (known as Skeletonization)
- Nests or the insects themselves
Types of Pests or Insects Present
- Leaf Beetles
- Leaf Miners
- Winter Moth
- Cankerworm
- Gypsy Moth
- Tent Caterpillars
- Oak Processionary Moth
- Webworms
- Oakworm
Sucking Insects
Insects live by sucking nutrients and sap from plants with their needle-like mouth. These pests may go undetected for years because they are so small. Their population can grow over time. Almost all types of trees and bushes are at risk from these pests. It is something easily prevented with regular treatments.
What to Look for?
- Loss of needles or premature leaf drop
- Sticky sap or honeydew
- Sooty mold coating
- Withered leaves
- Branch and tip dieback
Types of Pests or Insects Present
Boring Insects
Boring insects are the most destructive pests of ornamental trees and shrubs. They tunnel inside the tree feeding on the inner bark. Internal damage making it impossible for the tree to transport water and nutrients eventually killing it. Boring insects come in after another insect has already invaded.
What to Look for?
- Loss of leaves
- Debris that looks like Sawdust
- Exit holes in the trunk or branches
Types of Pests or Insects Present
- Emerald Ash Borer
- Asian Long-Horned Beetle
- Ambrosia Beetle
- Bronze Birch Borer
- Two-lined Chestnut Borer
- Weevils and Bark Beetles
Houseman is the only complete service company in the Athens, GA area. We provide Weed control, fertilization, shrub care, mulch & pine straw, sod, annual plantings, irrigation, and commercial & residential lawn maintenance. We are also state certified and licensed in wood destroying organisms (termite control), household pest control, public heath, and turf & ornamental weed control. We are licensed to control and treat mosquitoes, termites, all pest problems and turf & ornamental weed control. Contact the professionals at Houseman Services and set up a free inspection of your yard. We have been servicing homes and businesses in the Athens, Clarke County area since 1985!