At MadCow Tree Service, we understand the importance of maintaining healthy, pest-free trees on your property in Fairview Heights, IL. As a family-owned and operated company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional tree care services, including pest control, disease management, and tree healthcare solutions. Tree pests are a common threat in southern Illinois and Missouri, causing structural damage, leaf loss, and disease transmission. If left untreated, infestations can lead to tree decline or even death. Identifying and managing these pests early is crucial to maintaining the health of your trees and preserving your landscape. Below, we discuss five of the most common tree pests in the area, how they affect your trees, and how our ISA-certified arborists at Madcow Tree Service can help protect your property.
Emerald Ash Borer – The Silent Killer of Ash Trees
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is one of the most destructive invasive species affecting ash trees across the Midwest. This metallic green beetle lays its eggs beneath the bark of ash trees, and the larvae feed on the tree’s inner layers, cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Symptoms of an EAB infestation include thinning foliage, bark splitting, D-shaped exit holes, and increased woodpecker activity. If left unchecked, an infestation can kill a tree within a few years. Managing EAB infestations requires early detection and treatment with specialized insecticides or, in severe cases, tree removal to prevent further spread. At Madcow Tree Service, we offer professional tree assessments to identify signs of EAB and implement preventive treatments to safeguard your trees. Our certified arborists provide eco-friendly pest management solutions that preserve tree health and prevent widespread damage.
Bagworms – A Threat to Evergreens and Deciduous Trees
Bagworms are common pests that target a variety of trees, including evergreens like cedar and spruce, as well as deciduous trees such as maples and oaks. These caterpillars construct spindle-shaped bags from foliage and silk, making them difficult to spot. They feed on leaves and needles, causing defoliation, branch dieback, and overall tree decline. A severe infestation can weaken a tree and make it more susceptible to diseases and environmental stress. Managing bagworms involves early intervention, including handpicking the bags in winter before the larvae emerge in spring. For larger infestations, targeted insecticide treatments are necessary. At Madcow Tree Service, our experts provide thorough inspections to detect bagworm activity and offer treatment plans to eliminate these pests before they cause significant damage. Our professional tree care ensures that your trees remain vibrant and resistant to future infestations.
Japanese Beetles – Foliage Destroyers
Japanese beetles are another common pest that can wreak havoc on trees and ornamental plants. These metallic green beetles skeletonize leaves by consuming the tissue between the veins, leaving behind a lace-like appearance. They primarily target fruit trees, linden trees, and elms but can affect a wide range of plant species. A large population can defoliate trees, reducing their ability to photosynthesize and store energy. Managing Japanese beetles requires a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. Handpicking adult beetles and using pheromone traps can help reduce populations, but professional treatments may be necessary for widespread infestations. At Madcow Tree Service, we offer customized pest control plans to protect your trees from Japanese beetles. Our eco-friendly treatments and expert pruning techniques help mitigate damage and promote tree recovery, ensuring a lush and healthy landscape.
Scale Insects – Sap-Sucking Pests That Weaken Trees
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to tree bark, branches, and leaves. They feed by sucking sap, weakening the tree and leading to yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and stunted growth. Some species excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of black sooty mold, further compromising the tree’s health. Scale insects commonly infest oak, maple, and fruit trees. Managing scale infestations requires a strategic approach, including horticultural oil treatments, insecticidal soaps, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs. At Madcow Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists assess the severity of scale infestations and implement targeted solutions to eliminate these pests. Our tree healthcare programs focus on restoring tree vigor and preventing future outbreaks through proper fertilization, pruning, and pest monitoring.
Aphids – Tiny Pests with a Big Impact
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves and stems. They reproduce quickly and feed on plant sap, causing curled leaves, yellowing, and reduced tree growth. Like scale insects, aphids also produce honeydew, which attracts ants and encourages the development of sooty mold. Trees commonly affected by aphids include maple, elm, and fruit trees. Effective aphid management involves introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs, applying horticultural oils, and using insecticidal treatments when necessary. At Madcow Tree Service, we specialize in eco-friendly pest management solutions tailored to your tree’s specific needs. Our experts monitor aphid activity and provide long-term care strategies to enhance your tree’s resilience against future infestations. If you notice any of these pests on your trees, contact our team right away.
Protect Your Trees with Professional Pest Management from Madcow Tree Service
Tree pests can cause significant damage if left untreated, leading to weakened trees, increased disease susceptibility, and potential safety hazards on your property. By identifying infestations early and implementing proper management techniques, you can protect your trees and maintain a healthy, thriving landscape. At Madcow Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists offer expert tree healthcare services, including pest control, disease management, pruning, and fertilization. If you suspect tree pests are affecting your property, don’t wait until the damage becomes severe. Contact Madcow Tree Service today for a free estimate and professional consultation. We provide reliable, eco-friendly solutions to safeguard your trees and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. Call 618.288.9663 and let our experienced team help you preserve the health and longevity of your trees for years to come!
