What’s Bugging You? A Guide to the Most Common Tree Pests in Our Area - All The Above Tree Services Global site tag

What’s Bugging You? A Guide to the Most Common Tree Pests in Our Area

Now that spring is here, homeowners across the region are all beginning to enjoy the chirping birds, later sunsets, and more temperate weather. However, there is another, more sinister element that can accompany the season — invasive tree pests.

At All The Above Tree Service, we provide expert tree care for homes in Churchville and the surrounding areas, and we understand that you want to protect your trees and property from damage due to local invasive insect species like the emerald ash borer and the spotted lanternfly. Not only do we offer pesticide and insecticide professional treatments to safely eradicate these nuisances from your property, but we also feature essential facts and warning signs to watch for. Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

The Emerald Ash Borer

A native insect to Asia, the emerald ash borer is believed to have arrived in the United States sometime in the late 1980s, although it wasn’t discovered in the country until 2002. Currently, the beetle is found in over 25 states, including right here in Pennsylvania. It has caused the demise of well over 37 million trees in our state, with many more already infected and beyond saving.

The metallic, bright-green emerald ash borer lays its eggs under the bark of ash trees. This allows the larva to eat their way along the cambium and inner bark of the tree, which starves it of nutrients and halts its growth. This not only creates brittle, decaying, and dying trees, but it can be dangerous to attempt to cut them down because of their fragile condition.

Typical warning signs of an emerald ash borer infestation include a thin appearance to the tree’s canopy, dead branches, and the telltale “D”-shaped hole that adult beetles leave in the bark.

The Spotted Lanternfly

Another invasive species from Asia, the spotted lanternfly is a significant problem for all types of agriculture because it can cause damage to fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, ornamental trees, and woody trees. This critter has been in our region since at least 2014 when it was first discovered in Berks County, and now the pest is found in more than 13 counties in our state.

Featuring a black head and greyish wings with black spots, spotted lanternflies don’t bite or sting humans. Instead, they use their piercing mouth appendages to suck on the sap of tree trunks, branches, leaves, and twigs. This can allow harmful fungi, like sooty mold, to grow, covering the surfaces of leaves and stunting growth.

Look for freshly-laid egg masses that are approximately one-inch long and can cover hard surfaces like trees, stones, and even patio furniture. The masses are covered by a putty-like substance that’s white and over time can begin to resemble cracked mud.

If you believe you have an infestation of either of these invasive species on your trees or property, contact All The Above Tree Service immediately. They feature an experienced team, including a certified pesticide applicator, who know precisely how to deal with these pests and protect your trees for the damage they cause.

For more information or to make an appointment for tree services in Churchville, call us today at 215-645-1379.

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