3 Invasive Tree Pests to Watch

It is devastating when a tree loses the battle with an insect pest, leaving a hole in the landscape that can't be refilled quickly. Sadly, many trees fall prey to invasive insects-here are three destructive ones to watch.

- Jennifer Howell

But before you panic and kill an unusual or new-to-you insect you have found, make sure it is correctly identified and not a native harmless or beneficial bug lookalike. "Confirm Before You Crush" at right will help you avoid a case of mistaken identity.

SPOTTED LANTERNFLY Lycorma delicatula 

Found in 14 Eastern and Midwestern states, spotted lanternfly has more than 70 host species, including tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), maples (Acer spp. and hybrids), oaks (Quercus spp. and hybrids), many fruit and nut trees, and grapes.

HOW TO IDENTIFY IT Egg masses look like a smear of mud and are found on tree bark, as well as outdoor furniture or vehicles. Nymphs are black or red with white spots and are mobile from spring to fall. Adults appear in summer and are 1 inch long with gray or brown front wings with black spots and red hind wings with black spots and black and white bands at the edge.

DAMAGE Sap-feeding nymphs excrete sticky honeydew, often causing black sooty mold to grow on foliage. Plants are stressed by the feeding and may not die right away, but will be cosmetically affected, and fruit and nut crops will have lower yields.

WHAT TO DO Inform your state’s Department of Agriculture if you find spotted lanternfly so they can track its spread. Take a picture and note its location, then destroy the insect. Scrape off egg masses and seal in a plastic bag to destroy. These insects can hitchhike as adults or egg masses to new locations on vehicles and transported items like firewood, so some affected states have enacted quarantines on items likely to host egg masses.