Top 5 Damaging Insects Homeowners Need to Watch for on Trees and Shrubs
HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. (PRWEB) May 14, 2018 -- When damaging insects attack a tree or shrub, pest control by an ISA Certified Arborist may be required. It’s important for homeowners to know the signs of some of the most destructive insects in the Philadelphia area. The experts at Giroud Tree & Lawn share the Top 5 Damaging Insects that homeowners need to look for right now on trees & shrubs.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars
There's no mistaking these creepy crawlies by the signature tent-like webs, which are constructed in the crotches of tree branches. Eastern Tent Caterpillars have a taste for a wide variety of trees, so homeowners need to be on the lookout in spring time for signs of an infestation.
Not only are the webs unsightly, Eastern Tent Caterpillars can severely defoliate a tree. Defoliation will weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to invasion by secondary pests and diseases. Treatment for these caterpillars is most critical early in the season.
Emerald Ash Borers
These beautiful yet deadly insects are a 100% Fatal Pest, and they are decimating Ash trees all across the country. The adult beetles swarm the trees and leave their larvae underneath the bark. The larvae then feed on the tree, cutting off water circulation throughout the tree.
Unfortunately, anyone with an Ash tree faces a difficult decision. Protect the Ash tree from Emerald Ash Borer with treatment or let it die and remove it. Without treatment, Ash trees with Emerald Ash Borer die within 1-3 years. By the time homeowners see visible decline, Emerald Ash Borer has already done significant internal damage to the tree. That’s why, it’s critical to treat now before damage is beyond repair.
Giroud Tree & Lawn recommends Tree-age as the only treatment to fully protect Ash trees from Emerald Ash Borers.
“In good conscience, a company should not take money from homeowners for treatments that do not fully protect a tree from Emerald Ash Borer,” says Lou Giroud, ISA Certified Arborist and President of Giroud Tree and Lawn. “While other treatments may reduce EAB populations, the deadly pest can still be in the tree and continue to destroy it over time. Tree-age trunk injections are the only treatment that Giroud recommends to its customers.”
Leafminer
Leafminers emerge in springtime to mate and lay eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the young larvae begin feeding on the leaves. Oftentimes, homeowners can't see the actual insects but become aware of an infestation once the leaves develop yellow or brown raised blotches. Leaf Miners attack Birch trees, Boxwoods and Hollies. The best protection is to keep the plant healthy. An ISA Certified Arborist can monitor high risk plants and develop a treatment protocol if the pest is found.
Sawfly
Sawfly can affect Pines, Spruces, and even Roses, so it's important to be alert for evidence of these hungry, little larvae. Munching through leaves and pine needles, Sawfly defoliate and weaken the tree or bush.
Needles on infested Pine and Spruce trees appear dry and strawlike. Repeated defoliation severely stunts the growth of the tree and results in a thin, unsightly appearance.
Infested Rose leaves will appear papery thin and browned at the edges. "In general, light to moderate infestations (on roses) are cosmetic in nature and rarely harm the host plant." explains Missouri Botanical Garden. "Heavier attacks, however, can weaken plants when leaf loss stresses them to the point of vulnerability to other insect and disease attacks." Which is why it is important to have an ISA Certified Arborist do an evaluation if homeowners see signs of sawfly damage.
Lace Bugs
Lace Bugs can cause serious damage! In the Philadelphia area, Lace Bugs attack Azaleas, Birch, Hawthorn and Pieris Japonica. These thirsty pests voraciously suck fluid from leaves. Damage can be severe including leaf discoloration, loss of vigor and premature leaf drop.
Yellow, white or brown raised spots on leaves are a warning sign. In cases of severe Lace Bug infestation, the plant may have large patches of brown. Plants should be monitored regularly for signs of Lace Bug infestation.
Homeowners, who spot warning signs of infestation from these pests, should schedule an evaluation with an ISA Certified Arborist as soon as possible.
About Giroud Tree and Lawn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, lawn care and mosquito and tick control programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal, traditional and 100% organic lawn programs and mosquito and tick control. Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association and Better Business Bureau. Giroud has also been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.
Cindy Giroud, Giroud Tree & Lawn, http://www.giroudtree.com, +1 (215) 682-7704, [email protected]
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