It’s not uncommon to see insects crawling over the trees in your yard. However, one or two of those harmless-looking critters can harm plants. Recognizing common tree pests could help you prevent a damaging infestation.
Frank’s Arborcare LLC proudly offers some of the best tree services in Westport, CT, including comprehensive plant health care. Learn more about the pests that plague trees in our community and how we approach the problem.
1. Aphids
Aphids are among the most common sap-sucking pests. They tap the tree leaves and stems, excreting a sticky substance called honeydew as they go.
These tiny insects have soft bodies, and they reproduce fast. An infestation can quickly take hold of your tree, resulting in curled, yellowed, or misshapen leaves. You can recognize aphids by looking at the underside of leaves to see the bugs or the sooty mold that clings to their honeydew.
2. Bark Beetles
Several species of bark beetles can infest trees, making them one of the most common tree pests of all. Usually, they favor hardwoods and conifers. They chew through the bark and inner heartwood to lay eggs or eat, and they also spread disease.
Evidence of bark beetles in your trees may include brown or white pitch tubes on the bark exterior. For conifers, look for reddish-brown needles around the tips.
3. Tent Caterpillars
In Connecticut, eastern tent caterpillars could be a problem. These insects feed on shady, hardwood trees like:
- Sugar maple
- Oak
- Aspen
The caterpillars usually appear in the spring when trees begin to bud, producing noticeable silk tents on the forks of branches. The good thing about them is that they don’t damage trees enough to kill them. Their eating habits cause some leaf and branch loss, though.
4. Emerald Ash Borers
One of the more deadly tree pests is the invasive emerald ash borer, which kills countless trees annually. The borers are tiny, with flat heads, iridescent backs, and yellowish-brown abdomens. Due to their small size, it isn’t easy to spot them on trees.
If a tree in your yard has an emerald ash borer problem, it’ll have D-shaped holes or entry points in its trunk. It could also have S-shaped tunnels full of sawdust. They lay eggs outside of trees, but if the larvae bore deep into the tree’s inner tissues, they often kill it.
5. Scale Insects
Scale insects live and feed on the underside of the tree bark. Like aphids, these pests are sap-suckers, so you’ll see stunted tree growth, leaf discoloration, and branch dieback.
Scale insects are miniscule. An infestation might look like small bumps on leaves, branches, and twigs.
Get Rid Of the Harmful Pests Plaguing Your Plants
Whether you’re seeing borers, spider mites, or black bugs on trees, Frank’s Arborcare LLC can identify the bug and treat the tree. Our licensed, insured, and certified team sees many common tree pests in the Westport, CT, area. We strive to ensure the health and structural integrity of your trees remain a priority.
Get your free estimate today – call Frank’s Arborcare LLC at 203-423-9523!
