There are several plant insects in Grand Junction, CO, that can cause problems for your trees and shrubs. Some of these pests include aphids, lilac ash borers, and spider mites. Aphids feed on the sap from plants, while lilac ash borers tunnel through the woody parts of trees and lilac bushes. Spider mites can also pose problems for your trees and shrubs because they suck cell contents from leaves, causing damage to them. Continue reading to learn more about these insects and what you can do to deal with them if they infest your plants.

1. Aphids

Aphids are small insects that commonly infest trees and shrubs here in Grand Junction, CO. They have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae and some of them have wings. Aphids suck out the sap from trees and shrubs using their piercing mouthparts, which causes them to wilt and turn yellow. If left untreated, aphids can quickly reproduce and start causing severe damage to your plants.

To effectively eliminate aphids from your plants, you'll want to apply insecticide treatments multiple times throughout the year. This is because aphid populations typically increase during warmer months when they become more active. By regularly applying insecticides, you can keep your plants protected against aphid infestations all year!

2. Lilac Ash Borers

Lilac ash borers are another tree insect that has gained notoriety in Grand Junction, CO. They lay eggs in the bark of the lower trunks of trees, where they hatch into larvae that then burrow inside the trunk of the tree. As they grow, they continue to eat away at the inner tissues of the tree until it collapses.

The best way to prevent lilac ash borers from damaging your trees is by investing in regular tree and shrub insect control treatments. By treating your plants regularly, you can protect them from falling victim to these damage-causing insects.

If you notice any signs of lilac ash borers in your trees, contact professionals to treat them immediately.

3. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the foliage of trees and shrubs. They have eight legs that allow them to move easily across surfaces and are oval-shaped. Their color ranges from light yellow to red depending on the species. Spider mites prefer dry conditions and high temperatures, meaning they often invade trees and shrubs during summer. When they feed on the leaves of your plants, they leave behind yellow spots that eventually turn brown and die.

One of the most effective ways to control spider mite infestations is by applying insecticide treatments specifically designed to target them. You'll want to apply these treatments early enough so that the product can work its way through the plant's system and eliminate the spider mites before they cause extensive damage.

A few spider mites typically can't cause severe damage to plants, but large infestations can pose serious threats to vegetation.

Give us a call today to sign up for our tree and shrub insect control service!

Do you suspect your trees and shrubs are infested with aphids, lilac ash borers, or spider mites? If so, we can help. Our team at Mesa Turf Masters offers a tree and shrub insect control service that involves treating your plants for insects via bark and soil drenches, trunk injections, and dormant oil. We can also fertilize your plants to provide them with the nutrients they need to remain healthy and strong throughout the year.

We offer this service to property owners in Grand Junction, CO, and other nearby areas including Fruita and Palisade. Give us a call today at (970) 434-5440 to sign up for this service! We look forward to hearing from you soon!