1. Aphids
- Description: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of leaves and stems.
- Affected Trees: Many types, including citrus, ash, and ornamental trees.
- Signs: Curling or yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew on leaves, and the presence of sooty mold.
- Control: Natural predators like ladybugs, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil can help manage aphid populations.
2. Spider Mites
- Description: Tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves.
- Affected Trees: Citrus, mesquite, and other ornamental trees.
- Signs: Speckled or discolored leaves, webbing on leaves, and leaf drop.
- Control: Regular washing of leaves with water, using miticides, or introducing beneficial insects like predatory mites.
3. Bark Beetles
- Description: Small beetles that bore into the bark and wood of trees.
- Affected Trees: Pine, cypress, and juniper trees.
- Signs: Small holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, and yellowing or browning needles.
- Control: Maintain tree health through proper watering, remove infested trees, and consider preventive insecticide treatments.
4. Scale Insects
- Description: Small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark, leaves, or branches.
- Affected Trees: Citrus, olive, and ornamental trees.
- Signs: Yellowing leaves, reduced growth, honeydew, and sooty mold.
- Control: Prune heavily infested branches, apply horticultural oils, or use systemic insecticides.
5. Whiteflies
- Description: Small, white, moth-like insects that feed on the underside of leaves.
- Affected Trees: Citrus, ash, and ornamental trees.
- Signs: Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and the presence of sticky honeydew.
- Control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, use yellow sticky traps, or apply insecticidal soaps.
6. Leaf Miners
- Description: Larvae of various insects that burrow into leaves, creating winding trails.
- Affected Trees: Citrus, ficus, and other ornamental trees.
- Signs: Winding, discolored trails on leaves and leaf drop.
- Control: Prune affected leaves, apply neem oil, or use systemic insecticides.
7. Cicadas
- Description: Large, loud insects that lay eggs in tree branches.
- Affected Trees: Mesquite, palo verde, and other native trees.
- Signs: Flagging (dying branches), egg-laying scars on branches.
- Control: Prune affected branches, and use fine netting to protect young trees.
Are you experiencing trouble with common tree pests in Arizona? Then consider our services today at Tree Pros.
At Tree Pros, we take pride in being a leading tree care company in Scottsdale that offers various tree services. Our experts will go the extra mile to safeguard the integrity of your trees with a healthy watering and fertilization regimen. We also offer more effective solutions to control pest problems for more severe cases.
Contact us for tree care services in Scottsdale today.
