As a part of the environment, trees can be a welcome spot for bugs and other critters. While these creatures often aren’t anything to worry about, some pests can infest trees and impact their health. If you want to ensure that your plants continue to thrive, Tidwell’s Tree Service recommends calling a professional when you notice signs of an infestation. To help you get a better sense of when trouble is afoot, this Macon, GA, arborist highlights a few ways to tell if unwanted invaders have taken root.

Common Tree Pests & How to Spot Them

Moths, Cankerworms, & Leaf Beetles

Insects such as cankerworms, leaf beetles, caterpillars, and winter moths are among the many bugs notorious for feeding on leaf matter. If you see holes in leaves, you’re likely dealing with an infestation of chewing pests. While some chewing is to be expected from occasional insect visitors, it can be a significant issue if the tree doesn’t have enough leaves to collect sunlight and produce an ample food supply.

Boring Beetles

From Bark Beetles to Emerald Ash Borers, there are many different types of beetles that can compromise the integrity of your trees. These beetles burrow their way into the inside of the trunk, eating away at the bark and depleting the tree of the essential nutrients and water it needs to stay healthy.

Since these pests work from the inside out, you’ll have to pay close attention to catch early signs of an infestation. Often, you may spot small holes in the wood where beetles have entered or exited. Other symptoms include a lack of leaves and powdery wood debris around the tree.

Mites, Aphids, & Whiteflies

While these insects are small, they can cause significant damage if not treated by a professional arborist. Unlike boring insects, these pests attack the tree by sucking nutrients and sap from the outside of the trunk. If the infestation is large enough, you may be able to spot mites, aphids, and whiteflies living on the bark. You might also notice drooping leaves, excessive sap, and mold.

If you spot any unusual changes in the appearance or growth of your plants, it’s important to call a professional arborist to check for signs of infestation of disease. If you’re a homeowner in the Macon, GA, area, Tidwell’s Tree Service can provide the expert assessment and treatment you need to prevent problems from spreading. Visit this local company online to learn more about their impressive capabilities or call (478) 452-0234 for a free quote on arborist services.