Depending on your climate, different insects and pests may inhabit and ruin your shrubs and trees. These insects include beetles, worms, termites, and more. If left untreated, they can permanently damage, potentially destroying greenery. Here are some common tree and shrub insects that arborists at My Arborists can treat:
Beetles and Boring Insects
One boring insect is an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that targets ash trees to feed and lay eggs. Adult insects feed off your trees’ leaves while the larvae burrow into the bark. The larvae survive by feeding off the bark, which causes water and nutrients to stall. It might not be noticeable right away that the tree is struggling since the damage happens over time. My Arborist has experience eliminating an EAB infestation with insecticides or using trunk injections to target the larvae. They will also offer practical tips and preventative measures, such as monitoring or giving regular treatments to prevent more infestations.
Arborists may look for other boring insects, like Flat Headed Borers (FHB) in old, sick trees. Like EABs, this insect targets ash trees but may also target other types, such as lilacs and dogwood. Treatment methods are similar to EAB. To effectively prevent infestation, keep a close eye on at-risk plants.
Caterpillars
This variant of insect is found in every region and feeds on the leaves of plants, causing massive damage. Caterpillars typically are found in large numbers, which means that, if left untreated, they can destroy a tree entirely. Insects of this type are mainly found during summer, and a tree doctor can treat them by spraying your foliage with insecticides to kill them. Professional arborists can also treat the soil, which may help prevent caterpillars from settling in a tree.
Leafhoppers and Spider Mites
Leafhoppers survive on the sap of trees, typically fruit trees, that they get by attaching to the leaves and sucking them out. This type of feeding may also cause trees to develop diseases. My Arborist can inspect your tree for leafhoppers by looking for leaves with nibble marks, and they can also identify leafhoppers because they jump sideways when approached. Arborists will treat this infestation by spraying the leaves with insecticide treatments regularly, ensuring leafhoppers are exterminated and don’t return.
Spider Mites are extremely common and tiny arachnids that can survive on all types of trees and shrubs. They survive by sucking on leaves and stealing nutrients from the plant. Arborists can treat spider mites in several ways, such as pruning, introducing natural predators, and using oils to stop an infestation.
Contact Arborists for Plant Treatments Today
If you have garden plants, trees, or shrubs suffering from insect infestations, the tree doctors at My Arborist can inspect and treat them. From soil treatments to pruning and foliage spraying, they have all the necessary tools and expertise to keep your greenery healthy. After treatments, they will give you tips on monitoring for signs of future infestation. Reach out to an arborist today to learn more about protecting your trees and shrubs.