How to Deal with Summer Pests in Ontario

Seeing lots of bugs on your cottage trees this summer? That’s not necessarily bad news. But a select few unwanted guests can quietly destroy your leafy pals from the inside out. From leaf-chomping caterpillars to wood-boring beetles, catching destructive insects early is key to saving your canopy.

Not all “pests” are harmful, says Ryan Statham, an arborist with Davey Tree in Strathroy, Ont. Even if they might look like pests to you. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies—plus moths, ants, and flies—are all examples of helpful insects that are key to the growth of new plants. Most of these insects also pose little threat to plant and tree species. Then there are the “not helpful, but usually not harmful” insects such as aphids (tiny green sap-sucking bugs found on most trees). They’re harmless in small numbers, says Statham, but in large numbers, they can damage leaves, twigs, and roots, and cause mould and diseases to spread.

A good rule of thumb to maintain healthy trees is to plant a wide variety of native species for better resilience against diseases and pest infestations, says Statham. Making sure trees are receiving enough water and fertilizer will also help them to be more resilient. But most of all, know how to recognize when harmful pests have made their way into your yard and when to enlist an arborist for help. Here are Statham’s expert insights into the top tree pests to be aware of this summer.

To continue reading Ryan's advice, click here. 

For more information, contact the Strathroy office.