Insects occur on and in many Texas trees; however, rarely does one infestation lead to permanent damage or death. Insect populations are cyclical. Some years insect populations are high while other years you may not even notice them. Primary environmental stresses like heat, drought, flooding, lightning, animal damage, construction damage, soil compaction and wildfire can expose trees to additional insect damage. Often the best way to prevent damage from periodic infestations is to keep trees healthy.   

Integrated Pest Management relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM takes advantage of pesticide applications, mechanical methods and biological controls. Sometimes the appropriate method may be no control at all. The four steps of IPM are: Set Action Thresholds, Identify and Monitor Pests, Prevention and Control. More information is available at Texas IPM.   

Insects and diseases together are responsible for killing two out of every three trees that die. Healthy trees are much less susceptible to insect and disease damage. Many times it is the activities of people that compromise the health of trees and make them vulnerable to insects and diseases. This is especially true in urban areas.   

Insects can be defoliators, borers or sucking insects and can transmit tree diseases. Defoliator insects or their larvae eat leaves. Borers attack a tree’s water and nutrient transport system. Sucking insects feed on plant juices from leaves and twigs. Many insects also feed on wood; however, this usually happens on already sick, dying or dead trees.

May 2016 - The emerald ash borer beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash trees across the United States has been detected in Texas. EAB is a non-native, invasive insect that has the potential to wipe out all ash species in Texas—seriously affecting rural and urban ecosystems. Texas A&M Forest Service is helping people and communities prepare.

Please contact Texas A&M Forest Service or your county extension agent for more information.