Bug and Insect Pest Control
Coastal Tree Care Provides Reliable Tree Pest Control
You’ve undoubtedly seen insects on or around your trees. You may wonder which ones are harmful and which ones are beneficial to the tree. Fortunately for you, Coastal Tree Care offers tree pest control and treatment to limit exposure to damaging bugs.
Our ISA-certified arborists are happy to answer any questions you have about the bugs that can make your tree sick. Below, we’ve provided information about some of the bugs and insects you may see on your trees in San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and Pacific Beach.
Common Pests in the San Diego Area
Here are just some of the creepy crawlies you DON’T want on your shrubs and trees. Our approach to bug and pest control targets harmful species while minimizing the impact on beneficial critters:
- Bark beetles dig into the tree’s inner bark causing sap to leak out in conifers (see our bug spotlight on the Western Pine Bark Beetle below). They are also a danger to hardwoods such as elm and walnut trees. Since they attack weak trees, they become a bigger problem in times of drought.
- Mites are tiny insects that are difficult to see without magnification. These sucking insects damage ornamental and fruit trees as well as vegetable plants. Look for stippled leaves, fine webbing, and tiny, dandruff-like egg clusters or call us to perform an inspection to identify and control these invasive pests.
- Tree-boring caterpillars become adult moths that lay eggs on trees and the larvae bore into the buds and wood, disrupting shoot growth.
- Mealybugs are covered in a white, floury coating, have protruding filaments and suck the juice out of shoots and leaves, causing them to eventually drop off.
Read about more of the common bugs invading San Diego trees and contact us immediately if you feel your trees are in jeopardy.
Bug Spotlight: The Western Pine Bark Beetle
We want to draw awareness to the western pine bark beetle that has decimated pine trees throughout San Diego County. There are dozens of bark beetle species in the area, but the western pine bark beetle has become more prominent and dangerous in recent years. What’s more, the western beetle is native to the area and efficiently attacks Coulter and Ponderosa pines.
Western Pine Bark Beetle FAQs
1. How does this beetle invade trees?
The western pine bark beetles burrow through the bark and into the tree. This is where they find the right environment for them to lay eggs. When the eggs hatch, small legless grubs about 1/4 inch long feed on the tree before boring into the middle bark to pupate.
2. How do western pine bark beetles damage conifers and hardwoods?
Adult beetles release chemicals that attract other beetles, meaning that the process of laying eggs, developing, and attracting more pests continues until the tree can no longer recover. At this point, you may need to think about removing the tree. However, early intervention can prevent your tree from becoming completely infested and overrun by these pests.
3. Why should I worry about the western pine bark beetle?
If you notice that your trees begin to look unhealthy, it’s important to call an arborist and take timely steps to save them. Keep in mind that once these beetles begin to hollow out the tree, it becomes structurally unsound and hazardous to people and pets. So, these beetles require immediate bug and insect pest control measures.
Coastal Tree Care can safely remove damaged trees and treat infested or diseased trees that aren’t too far gone, preventing the need for removal. We also provide stump grinding and stump removal services to maintain the aesthetic of your property after tree removal.
Contact Coastal Tree Care for bug and insect pest control in San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and Pacific Beach.