Arborists in Naples, FL, Outline Pests to Be Wary Of
Protecting Your Trees from Pests
South Florida’s warm, humid climate creates the perfect environment for lush landscapes—rainforest-like yards and gardens filled with tropical trees, flowers, and, unfortunately, tree-damaging insects. From sap-sucking pests to invasive beetles, these tiny invaders can cause serious damage to your trees if not identified and managed early.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or simply love your yard, knowing what to look for is the first step in protecting your landscape. Here’s a guide to the most common insect pests that threaten tree health in South Florida and tips on how a tree service company can help you stay ahead of the damage.
Common Signals of Pest Damage
Before we discuss what could be impacting your trees, it’s essential to know how it’s happening so you can spot it more effectively. Many pest infestations start subtly, making it hard to catch them until the damage is advanced. But trees do send distress signals if you know what to look for, and they can help prevent long-term damage.
Some signals include:
- Discolored, curling, or damaged leaves.
- Sticky residue or black sooty mold.
- Sawdust or tiny holes in the trunk.
- Premature leaf or fruit drop.
- Visible insects or webbing.
- Bark cracks or oozing sap.
6 South Florida Tree Pests to Worry About
Now that we know what to look for, what insects are doing the damage in the first place?
Some of the most common pests in the South Florida area include:
- Rugose Spiraling Whitefly: These small whiteflies may look harmless, but they produce excessive honeydew, a sticky substance that encourages sooty mold growth and blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves. Their favorite targets include gumbo limbo, palms, black olive, and mango trees.
- Red Palm Mite: Palm trees are iconic in South Florida and highly vulnerable to red palm mites. These bright red pests live on the underside of palm fronds and feed on plant cells, causing bronzing or yellowing. Their favorite targets include coconut palms, areca palms, and ornamental palms.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on young leaves and buds, leaving behind scars and distorted foliage. They often go unnoticed until significant damage is done. Their favorite targets include ficus, mango, and various ornamentals.
- Asian Citrus Psyllid: This insect is especially dangerous because it spreads citrus greening disease (HLB), lethal to citrus trees. The psyllid feeds on new growth and can transmit bacteria as it feeds. All citrus varieties are at high risk around this pest.
- Lobate Lac Scale: These pests form hard, crust-like shells along branches and trunks, feeding on sap and weakening the tree. They also excrete honeydew, encouraging mold growth. Their favorite targets include wax myrtle, red bay, black olive, and other hardwoods.
- Weevil: The small beetle is known for chewing ragged holes in the leaves of ornamentals and shade trees. While the damage often looks cosmetic, severe infestations can weaken tree vitality over time. Their favorite targets include ficus, buttonwood, and other tropical ornamentals.
How to Protect Your Trees from Insect Damage
South Florida trees are beautiful but vulnerable, and insect infestations often go unnoticed until significant symptoms appear. Proactive tree health care and consistent monitoring are key to long-term tree preservation.
A certified arborist or experienced tree service company can:
- Identify and diagnose pest issues early.
- Recommend targeted treatments that minimize environmental impact.
- Perform tree pruning to remove infested branches.
- Carry out safe tree removal if a tree is beyond saving.
- Provide ongoing plant healthcare strategies to prevent future outbreaks.
About Any Town Tree
Insects might be small, but their impact on tree health can be massive. Whether you’re seeing early signs of infestation or want peace of mind through regular tree risk assessments, it pays to bring in the experts. Call Any Town Tree at (239) 580-8733 today to schedule an inspection and keep your Naples, FL, landscape thriving, healthy, and pest-free year-round.