Your trees and shrubs in Ohio are susceptible to various insect infestations that can cause significant damage. Some of the most common insects that can infest your plants include Japanese beetles, bagworms, aphids, and scale. Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of plants, leaving them skeletonized. Bagworms create protective bags made of silk and plant material, which they use to feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants, sucking sap and causing yellowing and wilting. To protect your trees and shrubs from these pests, it's best to invest in professional tree and shrub insect control treatments!

Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, leaving them skeletonized.

Japanese beetle on a skeletonized plant leaf in Mansfield, OH.

Japanese beetles are a common insect that can infest your trees and shrubs in Ohio. These beetles are known for their distinctive appearance, with metallic green bodies and copper-colored wings. They are voracious feeders and can cause significant damage to your plants. Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, leaving behind a skeletonized appearance as they consume the leaf tissue. Then, they'll eventually turn brown and possibly fall off prematurely. Their feeding can weaken your plants and make them more susceptible to other stressors. If you notice these beetles on your trees and shrubs, it's important to take action to control their population and prevent further damage.

Bagworms create protective bags and feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs.

Branch with multiple bagworms in Mansfield, OH.

Bagworms are another insect that can infest your trees and shrubs in Ohio. These pests are the larvae of moths and are known for their unique behavior of creating protective bags made of silk and plant material. Bagworms attach themselves to the branches of trees and shrubs and feed on the foliage, causing severe defoliation. They can be particularly damaging to evergreen trees and shrubs, as they can strip them of their needles or leaves. If you notice bags hanging from the branches of your trees and shrubs, it's important to remove them and take measures to control the bagworm population.

Aphids are small, sap-sucking plant insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves.

Underside of a plant leaf in Mansfield, OH, with aphids.

Another plant insect to be aware of is aphids. These pests have soft, pear-shaped bodies and are often found in large numbers on the undersides of leaves or along the stems of plants. Aphids are sap-sucking insects that feed on the plant's sap with their piercing mouthparts, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and a sticky substance known as honeydew. This honeydew can attract other pests and lead to the growth of sooty mold on the leaves. If you notice a sticky residue on your plants or see clusters of small insects, it's likely that aphids are present. Taking steps to control their population is important to prevent further damage to your trees and shrubs.

Aphids can reproduce quickly, with some species capable of producing multiple generations in a single growing season.

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of trees and shrubs.

Hard-shelled scale insects along a plant stem in Mansfield, OH.

Scale insects are another common pest that can infest your trees and shrubs in Ohio. These insects have a unique appearance, some with a hard, protective covering that resembles scales, while others have a soft, waxy shell. They attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants, feeding on the sap and causing yellowing, wilting, and even leaf drop of the affected parts. Similar to aphids, they also secrete sticky honeydew, leading to the development of black sooty mold. These pests can severely weaken your plants, so it's important to keep an eye out for small, round or oval-shaped bumps on the stems or leaves and take prompt action to address the infestation.

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

Protect your plants from harmful pests via our tree and shrub insect control service! When you sign up for this service, our experts at Free Spray Lawn Care will utilize as-needed curative treatments to eliminate insects from your trees and shrubs, such as scale, aphids, Japanese beetles, or bagworms. These treatments are available as part of our tree and shrub care program, which also includes fertilization to fuel their healthy, vibrant growth!

Homeowners and business owners in Mansfield, Wooster, Strongsville, OH, and nearby areas can take advantage of our tree and shrub insect control service. Call us at 419-529-5296 to schedule!