Tennessee Tree & Shrub Insects: 5 Common Types to Be Aware Of

Tennessee's lush landscapes are not only a haven for flora but also a breeding ground for various insects that can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs. Among these pests, five common culprits include aphids, bagworms, scale, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Each of these insects presents unique challenges and can cause significant damage to gardens. Understanding their behaviors, the symptoms of infestation, and the methods of control can help protect your cherished greenery.

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are notorious for their rapid reproduction rates. They feed on the sap of plants, often resulting in distorted leaves and stunted growth on your trees and shrubs in Tennessee. One tell-tale sign of an aphid infestation is the presence of a sticky substance known as honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold on leaves.

2. Bagworms

Bagworms are caterpillars that create protective bags made of silk and plant material, which they hang from tree branches. When they infest your plants in Tennessee, it's very rare that you'll see the bagworms themselves. Instead, the presence of these bags that they create is usually the tell-tale sign that your trees and shrubs are already infested.

These caterpillar-like insects primarily target evergreens but can also infest deciduous trees. They feed on the leaves and needles of trees and shrubs, causing significant defoliation and damage. Bagworms are most active from late spring to early fall. They will then pupate and emerge as adults in late spring the next year!

3. Scale

Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the bark and leaves of trees and shrubs. There are two types of scale insects: those that produce honeydew and those that do not. The soft scale insects that produce honeydew do so by excreting sugar and water that they get from your plants. This honeydew attracts other pests and can harbor a fungus called sooty mold.

Meanwhile, the other type of scale is one that doesn't produce honeydew. This type of scale has a hard covering and feeds on plant cells. Severe infestations can cause the leaves of your trees and shrubs in Tennessee to turn yellow and wilt.

4. Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are small, metallic-green insects that feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit of trees and shrubs. They can cause significant damage to your plants, leaving them weak and vulnerable to disease. If your plants in Tennessee are infested with Japanese beetles, their leaves will have a skeletonized appearance because these pests chew out the tissue between the veins. When left to their own devices, your plants can suffer from premature leaf drop and become weaker.

5. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They thrive in hot, dry weather, making them most problematic around late spring to early fall. As adults, these plant insects are only about 1/50 of an inch, making them almost invisible to the naked eye. This allows them to cause damage to your trees and shrubs in Tennessee without being detected right away! Infested plants may exhibit stippled leaves, webbing, and overall decline in health.

Call us today to schedule our tree and shrub insect control service.

Understanding common insect threats in Tennessee is crucial for maintaining vibrant and healthy landscapes. By identifying infestations early and implementing targeted control methods, you can protect your trees and shrubs effectively. Fortunately, we provide a tree and shrub insect control service that offers preventative and curative treatments against common plant insects in the area, like aphids, bagworms, scale, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.

This service is offered to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, and other nearby areas in Tennessee. Don't let insects damage your trees and shrubs - call us today at (901) 382-5296 to schedule our tree and shrub insect control service.