Insects are quite a nuisance for property owners. Even if they don’t make it into your actual home, certain pests cause damage to the trees around your property. Sometimes, the damage is merely cosmetic. Other times, they will impact the health of your trees dramatically, and you’ll need to have a tree service remove any affected branches or trees, so the disease doesn’t spread throughout the rest of your yard. To stop these issues from taking over your property, you should understand what to look out for.

3 Common Pests That Will Harm Your Trees

1. Borers

Borers, like the shothole borer or emerald ash borer, are common in Midwestern states like Wisconsin. They dig tiny holes in the trunks and branches of trees and then live and breed inside them. If your trees have been affected, you’ll likely notice small, circular holes along the sides of the trunk or branches, and leaves and branches will start to die or become discolored. Unlike most pests, these are tricky to remove yourself, and it is best to have a tree service team take care of them.

2. Gypsy Moth Caterpillars

These pests begin as small, hairy caterpillars that have black, yellow, and blue spots. They can grow to be up to two inches long, and they primarily eat tree leaves. When these caterpillars show up in large numbers, they can remove a considerable a tree’s leaf cover, leaving it vulnerable to disease. These pests are usually easy to spot, but you can also look out for large holes in leaves.

3. Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles feed on many different plants, making them a threat to your trees and the rest of your landscaping. They’re usually a shiny, copper color and are about 1/2-inch long. If you are dealing with an infestation, you’ll likely notice skeletonized leaves on your trees or plants, where they have eaten everything except the veins.

If you’re dealing with damage from any of these pests, you should have a tree service evaluate the loss and remove the affected trees or branches right away. Big Rivers Tree Service in Eau Claire, WI, has been serving residents and businesses with tree trimming, removal, stump grinding, and lot clearing services since 1979. The locally owned and operated company is familiar with the most popular trees in Wisconsin, as well as the pests and ailments that are most likely to impact them. To learn more about their services, reach out to the company online or call (715) 829-4011.