Insect Control

Insects affecting trees and shrubs can damage fruit, flowers, roots, stems, and leaves. That said, please know that not all insects are harmful. After a complete and thorough inspection, a licensed expert at Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. will design your program specifically tailored to treat the insects if there are in fact issues.

We are a local company. We do not report to another branch or have out-of-state headquarters. We will not push or sell you unnecessary services. Our job is to listen to you, the customer, and do everything possible to maximize the beauty and health of your trees and shrubs by addressing your insect problems directly.

For additional information, please find a list of damaging insects below:

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is an insect and pest that targets the Hemlock trees. Originally from Asia, it was first reported in the Eastern United States in the 1050s.

If left untreated, Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is a very, very serious pest which can ultimately lead to death of a hemlock tree in just several years. The "crawlers" come out during the spring and move to different parts of the hemlock tree or if guided by wind or birds, can be transported to other trees.

After settling on a target tree, the "crawlers" become nymphs feeding on the hemlock and develop into wingless or even winged adult females. The wingless female adults might lay up to 250-300 eggs and start another Hemlock Woolly Adelgid generation.

Serious infestations are fairly noticeable as the cotton-like substance resides on the needles. In addition, needles might change color, drop prematurely or branch/twig die-back could occur.

We offer specific treatment options for the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid including a horticultural oil spray. By monitoring the tree(s) several times a year and providing quality care through an integrated pest management (IPM) system, we pride ourselves on bringing the infested trees back to health.

Lace Bugs

Lace bugs are common insects and pests that infest Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Andromeda and many other deciduous shrubs and trees. Dotted and speckled leaves on these types of plants are usually a sign of lace bugs. Additionally, the backside of leaves will have brown spots or dark splotches.

To inspect properly, look under the leaves and watch for activity from adults during the summer. Lace bugs have lace-pattern wings, a hooded structure covering their head and the insect's surface is covered in veins that appear similar to lace. Lace bugs are typically 1/8 to 1/4 inches in length.

Lace bugs can be categorized in two groups – the first group attacks deciduous shrubs, plants and trees and the other seeks evergreens as their host plant. Deciduous lace bugs hibernate on the plant near a bark area or in leaf debris near the plant. Lace bugs which attack evergreen shrubs spend the winter attached to the leaves in egg-form.

Lace bug damage typically starts as light-colored spots on the leaves and leaf surfaces. Although lace bugs feed on the bottom of leaves, they extract cells and useful material which ultimately turns the top portion of the leaf to have yellow spots. Eventually, if left untreated, lace bugs produce brown droppings that can cover the underside of leaves.

The plants listed above that attract lace bugs should be monitored and inspected by the homeowner or certified professional. Early discovery can help prevent a complete infestation.

Winter Moths and Winter Moth Caterpillars

The Winter Moth Caterpillar originates from the winter moth (Operophtera brumata). Winter moths will emerge in the late fall and are typically active until late December or January. The female moth does not fly like its male counterparts and deposits eggs in tree bark, crevices, twigs, and branches. The small, gray male moths fly and are very attracted to lights during this time.

Although the winter moths are not harmful in their moth stage, ultimately their larvae produce destructive green inchworms. These small green worms defoliate deciduous shrubs, plants and trees at an extremely fast rate due to the sheer volume of caterpillars. One tree alone can have thousands of eggs.

Trees and plants susceptible to winter moths and winter moth caterpillars include:

• Oaks
• Maples
• Ashes
• Crabapples
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Cherries

In the United States, winter moth caterpillars have destroyed trees and their harvests from Maine all the way south to Long Island.

In the spring time, small worms may be seen on trees, inside buds, crawling around leaves or hanging from trees. At night, one can find the winter moth caterpillars on the outside of a leaf or group of leaves. Additional signs include dropping of leaves and petals from trees, holes in leaves, skeletonized leaf-structures and droppings on patios, outdoor furniture and cars.

Winter moth larvae typically hatch in mid to late April and immediately begin eating and devouring leaves, buds and fruit. The green worms skeletonize leaves and feed on the new buds of host trees. Depending on the tree type and its health, defoliation and repeated destruction can negatively impact a shrub, plant or tree's health, vitality, vigor, and appearance. In some cases, winter moths and winter moth caterpillars can even kill a susceptible tree within just a few years. In addition, continual and annual winter moth caterpillar defoliation puts shrubs and trees at risk for other pests and diseases.