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Tag: Tree pests

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Aphids, Bees, and Other Springtime Pests to Look Out For

springtime pests

Spring is almost here, and with it comes an abundance of new growth and life. However, along with the beauty of spring also comes a host of springtime pests that can cause damage to your trees. As a tree care company, we like to educate our clients about the various pests that can harm trees so that they can take steps to protect them.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common springtime pests to look out for and what you can do to prevent them from causing harm to your trees.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of trees. They are most commonly found on deciduous trees, but can also be found on conifers. Aphids feed on the sap of trees, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and curl. They can also cause the tree to produce a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can attract other pests and lead to sooty mold growth on the leaves.

Prevention

To prevent aphids from causing damage to your trees, there are a few things you can do. One is to attract beneficial insects to your yard, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which will feed on aphids. Another is to use a strong stream of water to blast the aphids off of the tree, which can be effective for small infestations. For larger infestations, you may need to use a pesticide specifically labeled for aphid control.

Bees

Bees are important pollinators that are vital to the health of our environment. However, they can also be a nuisance when they decide to build a hive in or around your trees. Bees can cause damage to the tree by burrowing into it to create a hive, which can weaken the structure of the tree and make it more susceptible to disease and pests.

Prevention

To prevent bees from building a hive in your tree, there are a few things you can do. One is to keep an eye out for bees that are flying in and out of a hole in the tree. If you notice this, it’s important to call a professional beekeeper to remove the hive as soon as possible. Another is to keep trees trimmed and pruned so that bees do not have a place to build a hive.

Other Springtime Pests

There are a variety of other springtime pests to look out for, such as caterpillars, scale insects, and spider mites. Caterpillars can defoliate a tree and make it more susceptible to disease, while scale insects and spider mites can cause the tree to become stunted and weak.

Prevention

To prevent these pests from causing damage to your trees, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation, such as holes in the leaves or discoloration. If you notice any signs of infestation, it’s important to contact a professional tree care company as soon as possible. They can help to identify the pest and determine the best course of action for treatment.

In conclusion, spring is a wonderful time of year for tree growth, but also a time when pests can cause significant damage. By being aware of the most common springtime pests and taking steps to prevent them from causing harm, you can ensure that your trees remain healthy and beautiful all season long.

If you notice any signs of infestation or damage, don’t hesitate to contact a professional tree care company for assistance.

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What is Eating My Trees?- Common Pests

common tree pests

We spend more time worrying about common tree pests getting inside our homes, but the reality is that they can make trouble outdoors too. If your trees are looking a little down lately, you might need pest control as part of your  tree care services.

Of course, it’s best to catch these tiny invaders sooner rather than later, so here are some common California insects that infest trees as well as how to spot them in your yard.

Common Tree Pests

In California, we need to watch out for the following creepy crawlers in our trees:

California Fivespined Ips

The California fivespined ips is a species of bark beetle with a fancy name. Increased logging in the 40s exposed wide ranges of fresh slash that allowed the beetle to breed under favorable conditions. It is mainly a threat to all species of pine, including hybrid varieties. Unfortunately, this beetle can kill trees, especially those that are already stressed by drought, making Alamo tree care services all the more essential. Look for boring dust, as the beetles dig tunnels through the tree, as well as fading foliage.

Asian Citrus Psyllid

This little sap-sucker is a real problem for citrus tree owners. It loves to snack on the leaves and stems of citrus trees, and can even pass along a bacteria that results in a serious tree illness that’s known as Huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease. It’s best to prevent infestations with proper Alamo tree care services because once your citrus trees are invaded, not much can be done to save them. In fact, tree removal is best to help stop the spread to other citrus trees in the area.

The California Oakworm and Tussock Moths

Oak trees are common in California and so are the species of caterpillars that feed on their leaves. Tussock moth larvae are fuzzy, making them easy to spot. But the California oakworm is smooth with a yellow-green coloring. They feed on oak leaves, reducing the amount of sunlight these tree can harvest for photosynthesis.

Checking for Pests

Different insects will leave behind their own clues of destruction, but a certified arborist will usually start by checking over the leaves. Look for any signs of discoloration, holes, or thinning of the foliage. Next, you can move on to the bark. Take note of how well your trees are growing this year. If they seem to have slowed down from the previous season, you’ll probably want to talk to a certified arborist to rule out pests. Carefully inspect the bark for holes, tunnels, sawdust, and insect frass (bug pellets).

Alamo Tree Care

It’s best to discover common tree pests as soon as possible, so set aside some time each week for regular tree care, or just call a pro. If you need professional Alamo tree care services, contact us today by clicking this link. As professional arborists, we recommend regular inspections to make sure your trees stay healthy and don’t pose any risk to your property. Our friendly team at Sexy Trees is here to answer your questions. Let’s talk!