Trees are crucial for the environment. They regulate our air by absorbing carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen for us to breathe. 

Besides giving us clean, fresh air, trees bring more color to our yards. Furthermore, they protect our houses from storms, bear fruit at times, and offer our children adventure with tree houses and swings. 

However, many bad bugs for trees can damage and eat away at trees. While these pests may not always kill a tree, they can make them look unsightly or cause other problems to our property.

So let’s look at some nasty bugs and discover when it’s time to call tree removal contractors in Marietta, GA. 

What Type of Invasive Insects to Look Out For

Let’s first break down the three different invasive insect types to watch out for: burrowing, sucking, and defoliating insects: 

Burrowing Bugs

Many arborist experts and homeowners agree that burrowing insects often cause the most damage to plants and trees. Sometimes called tunneling bugs, these insects claw their way deep inside of twigs, branches, stems, and even roots to drop their eggs. 

Emerging larvae making their way out of their eggs cause the most significant damage, preventing a tree or plant from absorbing precious nutrients and water. Properly trimming, pruning, mulching, and watering your trees are the best methods for deterring these pests. 

Sucking Bugs

Sucking insects damage plant and tree life by sucking up precious fluids from their twigs, stems, and leaves. Unfortunately, once these pests find a plant or tree they like, they typically don’t migrate. 

They also drop a substance called honeydew–composed of unprocessed plant remains. Honeydew creates mold growth, and a tree or plant with several white spots typically means sucking insects are present. You must kill these insects before they can reproduce. 

Defoliating Bugs

Some bad bugs for trees are more attracted to the tree’s fruits. Various types of caterpillars, worms, and beetles comprise the defoliating bugs. These insects primarily target a tree or plant’s flowers, leaves, buds, or fruits.

Barriers and safe pesticides may deter these bugs. A trained arborist can also advise on the best preventative measures.

Three Specific Bugs to Look Out For

Now, let’s take a look at three specific bad bugs for trees: 

1. Southern Pine Beetle 

A Southern Pine Beetle is notoriously nasty as it needs to kill its victim for reproduction. Despite only being 3 millimeters in size, this beetle contributes to the massive loss of watersheds, forests, and other habitats. Unfortunately, even the healthiest tree can succumb to its wrath. 

2. Tent Caterpillar

Tent caterpillars target many different broadleaf shrub and tree species by creating “tents,” or webs. 

When they grow enough members of their tribes, tent caterpillars start attacking and defoliating their host, greatly stunting its overall growth. Therefore, homeowners will want to spot these caterpillars early to eliminate them. 

3. Spider Mites

Spider mites damage plant tissues and trees by removing the green chlorophyll from leaves. Enough feeding triggers leaves to turn yellow, then brown and die. They even inject dangerous toxins, leading to leaf distortion and discoloration. 

People often spot spider mites because they leave behind white flecks or dots known as stipples. 

How Southeast Tree Can Help

Dealing with nasty pests like insects can seriously affect your tree and plant life. So whether you need to remove a pest-infected tree, prevent an infestation, or explore other options, our licensed and insured Southeast Tree professionals are one call away.

Know the signs that you need to remove a tree and how to prevent bad bugs for trees by calling our team at (770) 977-8733!