Healthy trees and shrubs are essential for curb appeal, shade, and overall landscape health. In Roanoke, VA and Charlotte, NC, the local climate creates ideal conditions for several destructive insects that can stress or even kill trees if left untreated.
This guide covers the most common tree pests Virginia and North Carolina homeowners encounter and how to recognize them.
Bagworms: Look for Bags Hanging From Evergreens or Shrubs
Bagworms are caterpillars that build spindle-shaped bags made of silk mixed with plant debris. These bags often hang from evergreen trees and shrubs and blend into the foliage, making them easy to overlook. Inside the bag, the caterpillar feeds on needles or leaves, causing significant defoliation.
Arborvitae, junipers, cedars, and Leyland cypress are frequent targets in both Virginia and North Carolina. Early in the season, you may see small caterpillars emerging from the bags, while later in the year, the bags harden and remain attached through winter.
When you notice small bags, heavy browning, or clusters of infested shrubs, it is time to call for bagworm treatment before the damage becomes severe.
Aphids: Look for Sticky Residue & Curling Leaves
Aphids are tiny insects that gather in clusters on stems or the undersides of leaves. They come in various colors, including green, yellow, black, or white.
One of the easiest signs to recognize is honeydew, a sticky substance that coats leaves and attracts ants. Curling leaves, stunted growth, and distorted foliage are other early indicators of an aphid problem.
Crepe myrtles, maples, and many ornamental shrubs are especially vulnerable in this region. As aphid colonies grow, the honeydew can lead to sooty mold, a dark fungus that coats the plant’s surface.
If large colonies persist into late spring or begin affecting multiple plant types, professional intervention is recommended to restore your trees and prevent long-term damage.
Scale Insects: Look for Tiny Bumps & Crusty Shells
Scale insects often appear as tiny bumps or crusty shells attached to branches, twigs, or leaves. They are easy to miss at first because they do not move once they attach to the plant. Signs of scale damage include leaf yellowing, twig dieback, sticky residue from soft scale varieties, and a general decline in plant health.
Hollies, magnolias, camellias, and fruit trees are commonly affected by scale outbreaks throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Since the timing of treatment is crucial, and hard shells or waxy coatings protect scale insects, they are among the most challenging pests to remove without professional-grade products. Experts should handle severe or repeated infestations.
Borers: Look for Tunnels in the Bark & Sudden Tree Decline
Borers are among the most destructive tree pests in the region. These insects tunnel inside trunks and branches, cutting off a tree’s ability to move water and nutrients. Early signs include small, round or D-shaped holes in the bark, sawdust-like frass, peeling bark, thinning canopies, and sudden branch dieback.
Emerald ash borer and dogwood borer are major concerns in both Virginia and North Carolina. Because borers work internally, homeowners often do not notice damage until the tree has already weakened. Treatment timing is critical, so early detection and quick professional attention are key to increasing a tree’s chances of survival.
Japanese Beetles: Look for Defoliation in Summer Months
Japanese beetles are metallic green insects with copper wings. They are highly destructive and often feed in large groups. Their most recognizable sign is skeletonized leaves, where all the green tissue is eaten, leaving only the veins behind. Browning foliage and clusters of beetles feeding together are common in midsummer.
Roses, crape myrtles, birches, lindens, and many fruit trees are frequent hosts. Because Japanese beetles can defoliate plants quickly, homeowners should seek Japanese beetle control when populations appear in large numbers or begin affecting multiple trees and shrubs.
When to Call a Professional & How The Green Team Can Help
Tree pests can spread rapidly and cause long-term damage if not addressed quickly. Homeowners should contact a professional when they see severe defoliation, repeated infestations, or signs of internal tree damage, such as borer holes or a thinning canopy. Accurate diagnosis is essential because each pest requires a different approach and timing.
Turn to The Green Team for your tree and shrub care and insect control needs. Request a consultation or inspection today to keep your landscape healthy and thriving!
