Winter Tree Pests: Pest Types to Be Aware Of

While it’s true that certain pests are more commonly seen during the warmer parts of the year, there are still a few pests that may be active during the winter — including some that may attempt to nest in or otherwise damage trees on your property. If left untreated, these kinds of pests can create significant issues for trees, even killing them in some extreme cases. 

At Green Pointe Tree Care, we’re happy to offer a wide range of tree spraying and injection services to clients throughout Utah, including protection against pests that may look to invade trees throughout the year. This two-part blog series will begin by going over a few of the pests that may be active in or around your trees this winter, then will dig into a few additional tactics you can use to protect your trees against any such risks.

Red Spider Mites

One winter insect that may attack various plants, but particularly fruit and other trees, is the red spider mite. These are tiny arachnids, much smaller than a typical ant or fly, but are still relatively easy to see when they become active — particularly when they’re grouped together in large numbers.

While red spider mites may look worrisome, it’s worth noting that they don’t typically pose any risk of killing trees on their own. Rather, they typically serve as a carrier for other threats, such as the various trees diseases you should be aware of. This means that if you see red spider mites on your plants or trees this winter, it’s important to contact Green Pointe Tree Care — we’ll provide a complete diagnostic and can help determine what steps need to be taken to remove them.

Codling Moth Grubs

These are small insects that are also common around fruit-bearing trees, though they can be found in various other types of trees as well. They typically don’t appear until late winter or early spring, but become active during the warmer months of the year — making them an ongoing concern for many homes with fruit-bearing trees around their property.

Codling moths are significant pests because they burrow into fruit and lay eggs there, which can significantly damage tree crops. However, they’re also worth noting because one of their larvae (the codling moth grub) may attempt to chew its way through fruit trees and other plants in the fall — making them a threat throughout winter.

While treatment isn’t always necessary, depending on the severity of the infestation, you can contact Green Pointe Tree Care for a thorough winter pest inspection. If we determine that you have an issue with codling moths, we’ll recommend the appropriate course of action to help ensure your trees remain in great shape throughout the year.

Aphids

Finally, while aphids don’t look particularly threatening, they show up in such massive numbers that they can cause significant issues for a variety of trees. These pests are often brought in by the wind, which means that they’ll sometimes unexpectedly show up on healthy trees, potentially causing significant infestations overnight.

In many cases, aphids may be combatted through natural methods — such as using insecticidal soaps or other organic solutions to kill them directly. In other cases, it may make sense to contact a professional for a treatment solution that’s more tailored toward your specific needs and cultivar.

For more on a few of the pest types to watch out for on your trees this winter, or to learn about any of our tree spraying and disease control services, speak to the staff at Green Pointe Tree Care today.