We all enjoy the shade and beauty that a tree brings to a property, especially in the Arizona heat. But trees can’t tell us when they are feeling sick. Often, by the time a homeowner notices a dead branch or a leaning trunk, the damage is already severe. Identifying the problem early is the key to saving your trees and avoiding expensive removals.
This guide will help you spot the subtle indicators of an infestation so you can seek professional tree pest control before it’s too late.
Understanding Tree Pest Infestations
A pest infestation involves insects or organisms that invade a tree to feed on its sap, leaves, or wood. While a single bug isn’t a cause for panic, a colonization can weaken the tree’s structure and immune system.
Why does this matter? These bugs might be doing more damage than you think. Estimates suggest that invasive forest insects cost the United States (including both governments and homeowners) an estimated $4 billion annually in damages and control. Catching these issues early with tree pest control protects your wallet and preserves the value of your property.
Early Signs to Watch For
You don’t need to be a certified arborist to spot trouble. Take a walk around your yard and look for these six common red flags that suggest you might need tree pest control services.
1. Unusual Holes or Tunnels
Inspect the trunk and major branches. Small, round holes often serve as exit points for beetles that have matured inside the wood. If you peel back a small piece of loose bark and see sinuous, winding tunnels (galleries), this is a classic sign of boring insects. These pests disrupt the flow of nutrients, effectively starving the tree.
2. Sawdust‑Like Material (Frass)
If you see a substance that looks like fine sawdust accumulating at the base of the tree or in the crevices of the bark, pay attention. This material, known as frass, is essentially bug waste and wood debris pushed out by insects boring into the tree. It is a strong indicator that wood-boring pests are active inside.
3. Discolored or Thinning Needles and Foliage
In Northern Arizona, many of our native trees are evergreens, such as pines and junipers. While seasonal needle drop is normal, widespread yellowing, browning, thinning, or curling needles can signal pest activity, especially if proper watering practices are already in place.
Watch for uneven symptoms, such as one limb losing needles while the rest of the tree remains healthy, or sections of foliage dropping earlier than expected. These patterns often indicate pests disrupting the tree’s ability to transport nutrients.
4. Sticky Residue or Honeydew
Have you noticed a clear, sticky coating on needles, branches, or even your car parked beneath the tree? This substance, called honeydew, is produced by sap-feeding insects like aphids, Pinyon Scale, or soft scales. Honeydew attracts ants and can lead to sooty mold, a black fungal growth that blocks sunlight and interferes with photosynthesis.
5. Visible Insects or Larvae
Sometimes the problem is staring you right in the face. Inspect the undersides of leaves and the cracks in the bark. You might see clusters of eggs, crawling mites, or larvae. In Northern Arizona, keep an eye out for tent caterpillars, which create visible, unsightly webs in the branches.
6. Bark Splitting or Loose Bark
Healthy bark should be continuous and solid. If the bark is cracking, splitting, or falling off in chunks, it indicates internal pressure or dead tissue beneath. This often happens when the tree is trying to heal from the internal damage caused by tunneling pests.
Signs That Indicate a More Serious Infestation
When early warning signs go unaddressed, infestations can escalate quickly. Crown dieback (dead branches at the top of the tree), heavy needle or foliage loss outside of normal seasonal patterns, or symptoms spreading to nearby trees all indicate a serious problem. At this stage, immediate tree pest control is critical to prevent safety hazards and irreversible damage.
How Professional Tree Pest Control Helps
DIY treatments often fall short because they rarely reach pests hidden deep within the wood or high in the canopy—and misidentification can make the problem worse. Professional tree pest control provides targeted solutions based on accurate diagnosis, local pest behavior, and tree species.
At Patriot Pest & Termite Control, inspections and treatment plans are guided by an ISA Certified Arborist, ensuring your trees receive expert-level care. We utilize Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which focuses on identifying the specific pest and applying effective treatments while minimizing environmental impact. From systemic applications to biological controls and ongoing monitoring, professional care keeps your landscape healthy and safe for families and pets.
Protect Your Landscape Today
Your trees are a long-term investment. If you spotted any of the signs listed above, or if you simply want peace of mind regarding the health of your property, our team is here to help. We have been serving the Prescott and Quad-Cities area since 1976 with effective, eco-friendly tree pest control.
Schedule your tree inspection today to protect your landscape and keep it thriving for years to come.