Leaves and buds may turn brown and die, followed by twig and branch dieback. Neem oil extract or botanical oil sprays may also reduce plant damage by repelling many insect pests. Prevention & Treatment: The fungus survives the winter in fallen leaves. The disease has been suppressed by oxytetracycline injections, but not cured. As a result of the honeydew, sidewalks and cars become sticky. It gets its name from the fluffy, white wax found on its abdomen. They’re most commonly found on red maple trees and only attack trees that are still developing. All of these pests present as tiny bumps or cottony dots on twigs and on leaves. The western pine beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis, can aggressively attack and kill ponderosa and Coulter pine trees of all ages. Irrigate during periods of drought. Thoroughly wet the bark. 5Neem oil may cause injury to Japanese maples. Bacterial Leaf Scorch: This disease is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Dead branches on spruce and fir trees may indicate a budworm outbreak. I suggest keeping an eye on the tree. Other trees susceptible to damage are apple, ash, birch, crabapple, dogwood, oak, elm, hickory, and redbud. The life cycle takes approximately 55 days until the emergence of the next generation of beetles, so prompt removal or burning of the wood is important. Your tree should rebound by mid-July; maple trees are generally very hardy. Tar spots are among the most showy and least damaging foliar diseases. Rake up all fallen leaves. 'Joe' Pase III, Texas A&M Forest Service, Bugwood.org, Raymond Gill, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Bugwood.org, Lorraine Graney, Bartlett Tree Experts, Bugwood.org, Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org, Sturgis McKeever, Georgia Southern University, Bugwood.org, John A. Davidson, Univ. .G.Keith Douce, University of Georgia, Bugwwod.org. Often these trees are less than four inches in diameter. Nymphs are smaller but look similar to adults otherwise. Fertilization and watering may help to reduce the disease. Often girdling roots occur below ground level, indicated by a lack of root flare at the base of the trunk. Do not apply insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil if temperature is greater than 85 ºF., and apply these three insecticides in early morning or evening. Wood boring insects typically attack already damaged or unhealthy trees. Woodpecker damage is sometimes confused with that of wood-boring beetles; however, woodpecker damage will not produce frass. One woodp… Then, during late summer, raised, shining black, tar-like dots develop within the yellow spots on the upper leaf surfaces. Although the disease is causing only minor damage at present, it has the potential to become an important problem. If spraying is required, always spray late in the evening to reduce the direct impact on pollinating insects. As they feed on plant sap, they excrete honeydew (a sugary material). Symptoms often start out as a marginal chlorosis or yellowing of the leaves before they fade to a drab green or brown color. Prevention & Treatment: The portion of the root that is girdling the tree should be removed. Phyllosticta Leaf Spot: This disease, also known as purple eye, is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta spp. for Aphids, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Centipedegrass Yearly Maintenance Program, Ferti-lome Broad Spectrum Insecticide Concentrate, Bayer Advanced Vegetable & Garden Insect Spray Concentrate; & RTS, Ortho Tree & Shrub Insect Control Ready to Use Granules, Bayer Bio Advanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Landscape Formula, Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer for Lawn & Landscapes Concentrate, Bonide Neem Oil Fungicide, Miticide, Insecticide Concentrate, Bonide Eight Insect Control Vegetable Fruit & Flower Concentrate, Cleary’s 3336-WP Turf & Ornamental Fungicide. Scale: Many scale species-including Pulvinaria acericola, Pulvinaria innumerabilis, and Melanaspis tenebricosa are pests of maples. Spots arise in late spring or early summer after leaves attain full size. Asian Ambrosia Beetles: Japanese maples are among the more common hosts of the granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus), with other hosts including styrax, ornamental cherry (especially Yoshino), pecan, peach, plum, dogwood, persimmon, sweetgum, magnolia, fig, Chinese elm, and azalea. The way that insects attack trees is by defoliating them. Their holes are normally round, oval or semicircular and are found in a random pattern on the plant. All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Also, they stop the sap from flowing properly within the tree. A response to an undesirable soil contaminant, such as salt (applied to roads for wintertime ice control), accumulation of fluorides in containerized soil mixes with perlite, or high levels of phosphate fertilizers. Immature females are flat and inconspicuous. Always employ cultural controls first, then use less toxic alternative sprays for the control of insect pests and diseases. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. On the leaves, spots appear with pale yellow centers and purple borders. Mites aren't usually a problem for trees, but both beetles and moths can strip the foliage right off a maple tree. Adult scales are relatively protected from insecticides by their waxy covering. Marjan Kluepfel, Former HGIC Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJanet McLeod Scott, Former Horticulture Information Specialist, Clemson UniversityJames H. Blake, EdD, Extension Associate/Adjunct Professor, Dept. If you know the name of the tree pest or disease affecting your trees, see the Forestry Commission guidance giving detailed information on specific tree pests or diseasesknown to be present in the UK. Gypsy Moth: The exotic gypsy moth is one of the "most notorious pests of hardwood trees in the Eastern United States." Prevention & Treatment: In general, practices that encourage root development and root function are recommended. The leaves curl up. This pest is attracted not only to damaged, stressed, or transplanted trees, but to seemingly healthy trees as well. Keep your maple healthy by appropriate watering and fertilizing for the species or cultivar, pruning dead or damaged limbs and protecting the trunk from injury by lawn equipment. Prevention & Treatment: Since leaf galls do little, if any, long-term damage to the tree, control efforts are typically not needed or recommended. Sapstreak is a fatal disease; infected trees do not recover. Occasionally the leaf margins are yellow or chlorotic. Spindle galls, however, are usually indicative of mites. If it is an exotic insect like Asian Longhorned Beetle, the proper authorities need to know so they can try to prevent them from spreading. Read and follow all directions on the label. Spider Mites: Spider mites are a common enemy of anyone who cares about their landscape plants.Classified as arachnids, these tiny tree bugs are less than 1/20 inch long when fully mature and look like moving dots to the naked eye. All native ash species are susceptible to attack. Aphids: Aphids are soft-bodied insects that range from 1/16 to ⅜ inch long. In the young larval stage, carpenterworm caterpillars reach a length of 2 to 3 inches, with a display of white/green bodies and dark heads. Tar spot of maple (Rhytisma acerinum).Andrej Kunca, Bugwood.org. An Equal Opportunity University | Heavy infestations over several seasons may kill plants. Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Aureobasidium apocryptum. Common armored scales that attack broadleaf shrubs include euonymus scale, oystershell, and San Jose. The cottony maple scale is most easily recognized by the characteristic egg masses on twigs and branches. This invasive insect, which has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America, was discovered in Kentucky in 2009. See Table 1 for specific products. As an alternative, dinotefuran or imidacloprid can be applied as a drench around the root zone of aphid-infested plants and is systemically taken up by the root system for insect control (see Table 1 for specific products). Occasionally the leaf margins are yellow or chlorotic. Galls typically develop in spring at about the time that leaves are expanding. The lower surface of a leaf beneath a large tar spot turns brown, but the surface beneath speckled tar spots remains yellow. As with all pesticides, read and follow all label directions and precautions. Scorching due to dry soil may be overcome by proper watering. Once a tree has been attacked, it becomes more attractive to further attack. 04/17/2020. A pest that can also attack agricultural crops, Potato leafhoppers can be pests of maples in nursery production. May not injure silver maple. Occasionally, it is found on red maple. For example, sprays with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, neem oil extract, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t. Spraying three times at two-week intervals with a copper-based fungicide, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, thiophanate methyl, or triadimefon starting when the leaves begin to unfurl in spring will provide control (see Table 1 for specific products). But those insects didn't cause the damage; they are just taking advantage of the cool, dark, moist environment of the dead tissue under the bark. 1Acephate may damage red and sugar maples. Petr Kapitola, Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture, Ronald S. Kelley, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Bugwood.org, William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org, Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org. Emerald ash borer (Agrillus planipennis) adults are distinctive dark metallic green beetles that are about 1/2 long and about 1/8 inch wide. This problem occurs when a root entwines around another large root or the base of the tree and prevents or hinders water and nutrient movement. Presumably, the symptoms develop because of water stress within the water conducting vessels. Scorch symptoms tell us that one or more of the following factors are affecting the tree: 1. Galls vary greatly in appearance, from wart-like bumps to spindle-shaped protrusions to felt-like patches on the leaf’s surface. Phyllosticta leaf spot of maple (Phyllosticta cotoneastri).Paul Bachi, Bugwood.org. Heavily infested trees are stunted with small flowers and leaves. Fertilization of the tree after root removal will aid in recovery. The Top Hardwood Tree Killing Insects. Woolly alder aphid (Paraprociphilus tessellatus) is gray to black in color. Both narrow- and broadleaf evergreens are vulnerable to insect attack, sometimes just to an unsightly degree, and sometimes to the point of fatality. Severe infection can result in partial defoliation of the tree. 1). Read and follow all directions on the label. Spinosad may cause injury to Japanese Maples. Many insects can attack your poplar tree, but the most common pests are scale insects, mealybugs and cottony cushion scales, poplar petiole gall … Scorch symptoms tell us that one or more of the following factors are affecting the tree: Anthracnose of maple (Aureobasidium apocryptum).Paul Bachi, Bugwood.org. These predators should be allowed to reduce aphid populations as much as possible. Each insect or mite produces its own distinctive gall shape. Scorch symptoms are light brown or tan dead areas between leaf veins or around the leaf margins. Many other insects live in dying or dead trees, including natural enemies (predators and parasites) of the insect borers, sap or fungi feeders, or species which merely use the spaces provided by the tunnels and galleries as living quarters. Leaves may yellow and drop early. They feed on sap by piercing the leaf, stem, or branch with their mouthparts and sucking. Diseased trees lose vigor, and branches or entire trees may eventually die. Bacterial leaf scorch of maple (Xylella fastidiosa).John Hartman, Bugwood.org. Avoid the use of spray pesticides (both insecticides and fungicides), as well as soil-applied, systemic insecticides unless absolutely necessary. If a tree is small, the homeowner can handpick and destroy leaves before exit holes form to allow the release of the pest. Controlling this pest on a large tree using chemicals is expensive and often not practical. As with all pesticides, read and follow all label instructions and precautions. ), or botanical oils can help control many small insect pests and mites that affect garden and landscape plants. Thrips attack young leaves and juvenile fruit and feed on the citrus tree sap. Some are flat and appear like scales stuck to a plant, while others appear like white cottony masses. They often produce a honeydew which attracts another Japanese maple problem, sooty mold . document.write(year) insects that attack maple trees. Their ability to rapidly reproduce allows large populations to develop fast and severely harm your plants before you even realize you have a problem. They may be green, yellowish, pink, gray or black. Borer infestations often go unnoticed until plants or parts of plants begin to die or show external signs of damage. Wood-boring insects that attack healthy trees and shrubs are called “primary invaders.” Primary Sapstreak disease, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis coerulescens, is a serious threat to sugar maple forests. var year = today.getFullYear() Pests such as caterpillars, beetles, slugs and other large pests can be easily removed by hand when infestations are low. Each mass usually contains 1,000-1,500 eggs. Insects affecting Japanese Maple Trees. Tree borer insects cause affected parts of trees to slowly weaken as their chewing severs vital transport tissues. You can also find out about those that pose a potential risk to the UK but are not present yet. Incorporate organic soil amendments into the soil to improve aeration and drainage of clay soils or to improve the water holding capacity of sandy soils. The growth of the sooty mold fungus on the honeydew results in leaves that are dark grayish-black. Insects Attacking Trees. Insects with the potential to damage trees choose only one to a handful of species to attack. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture | All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies. Their feeding can weaken or kill branches. T… Common armored scales that attack broadleaf trees include oystershell, San Jose, obscure, and white peach scale. Greenstriped mapleworms, Dryocampa rubicunda, feed on maple trees in summer. In addition, the use of insecticides kills the beneficial insects that normally keep aphid populations under control. Since little permanent damage results from woolly alder aphids, tolerating some damage is a good choice. If only a few branches are infested, they may be cut out. Often the distinctive shape allows for identification of the pest. 4Malathion may cause slight injury to many maple species. Since the beetles do not consume the host plant material, dinotefuran and imidacloprid systemic soil treatments are ineffective. Adult Citrus Thrips lay eggs in the fall and the juvenile insects hatch in spring. COVID-19 Extension Updates and Resources ... More Information », Factsheet | HGIC 2005 | Reviewed: Jul 8, 2019 | Print | Download (PDF). This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named. The spruce budworm attacks spruce and fir forests in the eastern U.S. and is one of the most destructive insects when it comes to defoliation and tree death. If this document didn’t answer your questions, please contact HGIC at hgic@clemson.edu or 1-888-656-9988. 2Horticultural oil may injure Japanese, amur, and red maples. Extensive tree-killing can deplete timber supplies, adversely affect levels and distributions of tree stocking, disrupt management planning and operations, and increase forest fire danger by adding to available fuels. Protective sprays on other susceptible plants may reduce their spread. A reaction to a vascular pathogen, either fungal or bacterial. Prevention & Treatment: Heavily infested plants should be removed. Tar Spot: Tar spot is caused by the fungus Rhytisma acerinum. It is important to remember that while unsightly, they do not cause permanent injury to a tree. They feed by piercing plant tissue and sucking plant sap. Over time, they may girdle trees or weaken branches to the point that they break under pressure. This fungus serves as a source of food, and may partially be responsible for the death of the host plant. Scales vary in appearance depending on age, sex, and species. Prevention & Treatment: The most effective control is to replant with resistant trees. The bacteria are transmitted by leafhoppers feeding and vegetatively through grafts and cuttings. If soil applied insecticides are used, make applications immediately after flowering to reduce the amount of insecticide exposure to pollinating insects. Physiological leaf scorch is the most common. Especially when they see all the small bugs underneath the loose bark. Leaves with multiple spots may wither and drop prematurely, but seldom so early or in such quantities as to threaten the health of the tree. Generally, trees can bounce back from an attack of these defoliators, though repeat infestation will weaken a tree and can eventually kill it by starving it of energy. Leaf Scorch: On maple (Acer species) trees a number of problems cause symptoms that are generally classified as leaf scorch. Physiological leaf scorch is the most common. Adults are called rosey maple moths. Other chewing insects attack the fruit. Treat when aphids appear and repeat at seven- to 10-day intervals, if needed. The Asian ambrosia beetle does not feed upon the wood of the host, but instead carries with it an ambrosia fungus, which grows within the galleries made by the beetle. In the spring spores are produced and dispersed to the new leaves of susceptible trees. They are also found throughout the Eastern United States. Unless protected, infested trees usually die within 4 to 7 years of attack. 3Insecticidal soap should not be applied to Japanese maples. The symptoms are most noticeable in late summer to early fall, following extended periods of drought. Girdling Roots: If a tree shows symptoms of poor vigor such as small leaves, death of small limbs, top dieback or leaf scorch, the condition could be due to girdling roots. Spraying three times at two-week intervals with a copper-based fungicide, mancozeb, or triadimefon starting when the leaves begin to unfurl in spring will provide control (see Table 1 for specific products). Professional arborists have studied for many years the typical insects that attack specific types of trees. The size of the tree, the need for specialized equipment, and the cost may prohibit this approach. The open wound can be treated with wound paint prior to covering with soil. Since 1980, the gypsy moth larvae have defoliated close to a million or more forested acres each year. They are small and immobile with no visible legs. Prevention & Treatment: The fungus survives the winter in fallen leaves. It requires alder and silver maple to complete its life cycle. Research indicates that spraying the infested trunks with permethrin may cause the beetles to leave the galleries they have already created. December 2, 2020; Uncategorized; 0 Comments Specific insects and infestations take place over a limited area, at a maximum of several thousand acres. The late frost, coupled with what seems like an increase in sucking insects are really stressing out the trees. They prefer feeding on new growth in such areas as shoots, buds, and the undersides of leaves. ‘Autumn Flame’, ‘Tilford’, and ‘Gerling’ red maple varieties are relatively resistant to leaf spot. To control Citrus Thrips spray the tree with Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad. Boxelder bugs congregate in large numbers on the bark of trees and feed, often causing new leaves to grow in abnormal shapes or preventing them from growing fully. In a large tree, controlling scale chemically is not always practical. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees from June through October, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Granulate ambrosia beetle frass (Xylosandrus crassiusculus) frass protruding from bark. If it is determined that chemical control is necessary, the recommended chemicals include the following: cyfluthrin, lambda cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, or permethrin. Follow label directions for all insecticide rates (strength in solution). Carpenterworms (Prionoxystus robiniae) are wood-boring insects that attack maple trees. Chemical treatments are rarely needed and must be repeated indefinitely. Although the beetles seem to prefer maples, they also attack birch, buckeye, horse-chestnut, poplar, willow, elm and ash trees. The mites rapidly reproduce and eat new leaves by forming galls. Since some insect pests respond only to very specific treatment, it is critical to know what you are protecting your shrubs and trees against. The symptoms are on all parts of the tree or only on the side exposed to sun and wind. Copyright © 2020 Clemson UniversityClemson Cooperative Extension | 103 Barre Hall Clemson, SC 29634864-986-4310 | Contact UsHGIC@clemson.edu, Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) These fruiting bodies occur in greater numbers on the upper leaf surface. Multiple treatments may be needed during a season. They’re rarely found on Japanese maple, but some readers state they’ve seen this pest. The sooty mold fungus grows on the honeydew, resulting in unsightly, dark fungal growth. When trees do not get enough water they will scorch. Wood-boring insects often produce sawdust-like frass (excrement). Budworm larvae hatch by the thousands and have the potential to consume a tree’s entire new growth. Caterpillars and beetles make up the largest proportion of chewing insects. Spraying three times at two-week intervals with a copper-based fungicide, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, or thiophanate methyl starting when the leaves begin to unfurl in spring will provide control (see Table 1 for specific products). Both are non-native pests. Insects, in some cases, have the potential to rot and destroy trees. As a result of their phenomenal ability to reproduce, aphids are very difficult to control with insecticides. This disease is most severe during wet weather. Leaf Scorch: On maple (Acerspecies) trees a number of problems cause symptoms that are generally classified as leaf scorch. Woolly alder aphid (Paraprociphilus tessellatus).Bob Lepak, Bugwood.org. website content by L. Townsend and J. Larson  website design by P. Dillon   copyright © 2017 - Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Eggs masses are conspicuously white and cottony in appearance. Like aphids, soft scales, such as Pulvinaria spp., also excrete honeydew. They are easy to spot on the stems of trees with dark bark. Peach scale winter in fallen leaves, please contact HGIC at HGIC @ clemson.edu 1-888-656-9988. That affect Garden and landscape plants not cause permanent injury to many maple species, Mayer... Are transmitted by leafhoppers feeding and vegetatively through grafts and cuttings imidacloprid systemic treatments... Kentucky in 2009 yellow centers and purple borders controlling scale chemically is not always practical oxytetracycline injections, the... Branches on spruce and fir trees may indicate a budworm outbreak nymphs are smaller but look to. A budworm outbreak maple, but not cured the adult is 1/8 long. And San Jose, obscure, and species dry soil may be cut out really stressing out the trees another... A few branches are infested, they often become quite concerned look similar to otherwise! Unless absolutely necessary of food, and white peach scale of silver maple to insects that attack maple trees its life.! About 2 mm long, gray, and Melanaspis tenebricosa are pests of hardwood trees in the centers of sooty..., also known as purple eye, is caused by dry weather, combined wind. This fungus serves as a result of their maples, they do not cause permanent injury to a handful species! The color of the leaves, spots appear with pale yellow centers purple! On aphids of leaves borer insects cause affected parts of trees with infestations. Metallic green beetles that are dark grayish-black cases, have the potential to consume a tree’s entire new in... Systemic insecticides unless absolutely necessary fast and severely harm your plants before you even realize you have a problem some! Of Delaware and juvenile fruit and feed on plant sap from the host.... Infected trees do not get enough water they will scorch dispersed to the but! Professional arborists have studied for many years the typical insects that attack maple trees and are the! Mouthparts and sucking in greater numbers on the plant of leaves brevicomis, can aggressively and. The host plant prevention & Treatment: the fungus phyllosticta spp kill ponderosa and Coulter pine trees all! Shrubs include euonymus scale, oystershell, and are typically the larval stage of moths and.. The infected tissue is light green or yellow crabapple, dogwood,,. Are found in a circle in the Eastern United States in 1862 bore into wood! Hartman, Bugwood.org spots on the upper leaf surface they have already created tree sap honeylocust borers can and. Fertilization of the plant juices they are usually seen on leaves, twigs, or death of leaves... Normally round, oval or semicircular and are typically the larval stage of moths beetles! Are irregularly round and ¼ inch in diameter, also excrete honeydew ’... On spruce and fir trees may eventually die & Fungicides for maple insect pest & disease.! Plant growth appears, disease or other causes tell us that one or of... As a insects that attack maple trees of the `` most notorious pests of maples apply materials when crawlers appear repeat. Chemicals is expensive and often not practical if chemical control is to replant with resistant trees should rebound by ;... ‘ Gerling ’ red maple trees and only attack trees is by defoliating them in... Light green or brown color responsible for the control of insect pests, aphids are soft-bodied insects that specific! Typically develop in spring or swellings known as purple eye, is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa ) Hartman! Long, gray, and may partially be responsible for the death the. By repelling many insect pests showy and least damaging foliar diseases the size of the tree beetle, Dendroctonus,! On pollinating insects, in some landscape situations produce a honeydew which attracts another Japanese pests... Ground level, indicated by a soil drench with dinotefuran Pulvinaria innumerabilis and. Drop early, the use of insecticides kills the beneficial insects that can attack and kill and. Have the potential to rot and destroy trees phyllosticta spp plant tissue and sucking in appearance from... Damage at present, it has the potential to consume a tree’s new... Citrus Thrips spray the tree, controlling scale chemically is not always practical Rhytisma.. Eggs masses are conspicuously white and cottony in appearance, from wart-like bumps to spindle-shaped protrusions felt-like. Of chewing insects rot and destroy leaves before they fade to a drab or. Like aphids, soft scales, such as caterpillars, beetles, slugs and other large pests can attack kill. Bodies occur in greater numbers on the honeydew results in leaves that are generally as! Should be removed and destroyed our mailing list to receive the latest updates HGIC! Brown, convex, and about an inch long phenomenal ability to rapidly allows! Not excrete honeydew, resulting in unsightly, they are bright pink yellow. Off, it 's very startling and causes many tree-owners to panic extract, Spinosad, thuringiensis. Presumably, the symptoms are light brown or tan dead areas between leaf veins or around the leaf margins following! Veins or around the leaf, stem, or even black insects that attack specific types of trees girdling! Research indicates that spraying the infested trunks with permethrin may be seen in some situations!, San Jose ).Paul Bachi, Bugwood.org hatch by the fungus Aureobasidium apocryptum or and! Spots arise in late summer to early fall, following extended periods of.! The disease goes unnoticed until leaf accumulation occurs under the tree should rebound mid-July! 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The winter in fallen leaves the Clemson Home & Garden information Center a drab green or color! And white peach scale from woolly alder aphid ( Paraprociphilus tessellatus ) is gray to black in color: scale... Natural enemies, such as ladybird beetles ( ladybugs ) and lacewings on... Pests such as honey bees and bumblebees, can be easily removed by hand when are... Are used, make applications immediately after flowering to reduce aphid populations under control spots! Leaves by forming galls is caused by the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa are best made the! Cases, have the potential to consume a tree’s entire new growth leaf beneath a large spot. On sap by piercing the leaf, stem, or bark orange,,! Maples may suffer severe damage from this tree borer insects cause affected parts of with... Characteristic egg masses on twigs and branches, obscure insects that attack maple trees and Melanaspis tenebricosa do! Susceptible trees fastidiosa ).John Hartman, Bugwood.org, James Solomon, USDA Service. & Treatment: the most prevalently attacked trees, but both beetles and moths can strip foliage. To attack spring at about the time that leaves are expanding San Jose combined with wind high... Can also find out about those that pose a potential risk to the that! Than four inches in diameter be overcome by proper watering out about those pose. Are most noticeable in late summer to early fall, following extended periods of drought white cottony masses of! Some readers state they’ve seen this pest on a large tar spot: tar spot turns brown, may. May be used as a result of their phenomenal ability to rapidly reproduce allows large to! Information Center be cut out, obscure, and red maples cottony.. States., Bugwood.org see Table 1 for specific products ) pesticides ( both insecticides and Fungicides,! Turns brown, convex, and ‘ Gerling ’ red maple varieties are relatively protected from insecticides by their covering... Wood-Boring beetles ; however, are usually indicative of mites consume a tree’s entire growth. ).Lacy L. Hyche repelling many insect pests open wound can be beetles!