Aphids: These soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects often cluster on the new, tender growth of a tree. As they gorge on the tree’s sap, they cannot process all the sugars they ingest. They excrete the excess as a sticky, sugary substance called “honeydew.” This sticky residue drips down onto cars, patios, and lower leaves. Very quickly, a black, powdery fungus known as sooty mold begins to grow on the honeydew. While the mold doesn’t directly infect the tree, it coats the leaves, blocking sunlight and severely inhibiting the tree’s ability to photosynthesize.
Spider Mites: Mites thrive in hot, dry, and dusty microclimates. They are incredibly small—about the size of a grain of pepper—and are actually arachnids, not insects. Because they are so small, the first sign of an infestation is usually aesthetic damage known as “stippling.” This appears as a dull, yellow, or bronze speckling on the leaves as individual plant cells are emptied of their contents. Left untreated in the dry Idaho heat, severe mite damage can cause complete mid-summer defoliation.
Systemic Treatments: A systemic insecticide can be applied directly to the soil or trunk. The tree absorbs the product into its vascular system, meaning it only affects the insects actively feeding on the tree’s sap, completely sparing beneficial pollinators and predators.
Cultural Control: Drought-stressed trees actually emit chemical signals that attract pests. Properly watering your trees during the dry season boosts their natural defenses. Periodic high-pressure water sprays can also physically knock mites off the foliage and wash away dust.
For a customized Plant Health Care plan designed to protect your landscape’s ecosystem safely, reach out to Arborman Tree Care at 208.286.6875 or discover more at arbormantreecare.net.
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