At A-Unlimited Tree Service in Edwardsville, IL, we know how dangerous pests can be to your trees and other plants. If left untreated, they can harm or even kill trees, leaving your property at risk of falling branches or trees. These are some of the most common pests found in Edwardsville, IL. Don’t worry: treating them will be easier with our help.
Bagworms
In late June, each female bagworm can have up to 1000 eggs that hatch and use silk balloons to spread. They devour trees, starting at the top and working their way down. If you notice sudden, dramatic browning of your tree, and water and fertilizers aren’t helping, it could be bagworms. Unfortunately, manual removal is the most effective but also the most time-consuming method to remove them.
Fall Webworms
Fall webworms are light green to yellow caterpillars with black spots and long white hairs. They are the most common at the end of July, making tents at the ends of branches. Pruning the webs and eggs is the most effective treatment, and pesticides may be used when the larvae are active.
Eastern Tent Caterpillars
Eastern tent caterpillars can be identified by the 2-inch larvae that have several distinguishing features, including white stripes, blue dots, and yellow lines. They feed vigorously during the day, especially on cherries, plums, and other fruiting trees. The best way to beat infestation is by pruning their tents off the trees.
Gypsy Moths
Gypsy moth caterpillars feed heavily on trees, causing death in the worst infestations. They are hairy caterpillars with blue and red dots, and they will also balloon on silk to spread to nearby trees. Manual removal and pesticides are the best treatment options for this kind of pest infestation.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles might look cool with their metallic green heads and copper bodies, but they can quickly destroy trees, especially grape, cherry, and rose plants. Treatment is primarily about prevention. Limiting irrigation, removing beetles when they are seen, and using certain pesticides are often effective methods.
Bronze Birch Borers
Bronze birch borer larvae feed on the cambium (the growing part) of trees, often leaving yellowing, swollen branches or dead branches in their wake. They primarily feed on birch and alder. Not much can be done other than planting river birch trees that can resist them and spraying pesticides to kill adults.
Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer larvae feed on the cambium and often lead to thinning canopies, along with yellowing and dying branches. To treat this, you may need to give your trees a trunk injection of imidacloprid or emamectin benzoate. However, with a severe infestation, removing the tree is often the best option.
Contact A-Unlimited Tree Service for Removing Pests
At A-Unlimited Tree Service in Edwardsville, IL, we know how important your trees are. We offer a range of tree care services, including tree trimming, tree maintenance, tree removal, and pest removal. We emphasize plant healthcare in our lawn care services and want to do what we can to help you.
If you’ve noticed signs of these common Edwardsville, IL pests in your trees, or if you want someone you can trust for lawn care, we have you covered. Contact our team through our website or over the phone by calling 618.667.9885 for a consultation today.
