There are various pests and diseases that commonly afflict trees. The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle that attacks ash trees, causing damage to the tree’s transport system and leading to its demise. Dutch elm disease, caused by a fungus, affects elm trees and is transmitted by bark beetles, resulting in wilting and death. Pine beetles, including the mountain pine beetle and southern pine beetle, bore into pine tree bark, disrupting nutrient flow and causing extensive damage. Oak wilt, a fungal disease, affects oak trees and is spread through root grafts or beetles, leading to wilting, defoliation, and tree mortality. Sudden oak death, caused by a different fungus, causes leaf spotting, dieback, and can be fatal for oak trees. The gypsy moth larvae feed on the leaves of various tree species, defoliating and weakening them. Finally, white pine blister rust, a fungal disease, affects white pines, such as the eastern white pine and sugar pine. These common pests and diseases pose significant threats to tree health in different regions.
There are several measures you can take to help prevent tree pests and diseases.
Note the spread of diseases. Provide adequate space for each tree to grow and receive sufficient sunlight and airflow.
Remember that prevention is key when it comes to tree pests and diseases. By implementing these practices and staying vigilant, you can help maintain the health and vitality of your trees.
If the vole infestation is severe or if the damage they are causing is extensive, it is recommended to seek the help of a pest control professional like us at Birch Fumigators. We have the expertise and experience to identify the specific species of voles present and develop an effective treatment plan. Professional pest control services can offer advanced methods of control such as fumigation, which may not be safe or practical for individuals to perform on their own.
While voles are not known to transmit diseases to humans, they may carry ticks, fleas, or other parasites that can transmit diseases to other animals.
The best time to control voles is during late fall and early winter. During this period, vegetation is beginning to die back, and snow hasn’t yet fallen in many regions, making it easier to spot signs of vole activity and to apply control measures. Voles are active year-round, but in the late fall and early winter, they begin to establish the under-snow tunnels and pathways that they will use all winter. Implementing control measures, such as placing traps or baits, clearing away vegetation near the garden, or installing physical barriers, during this time can prevent a population explosion in the spring. Additionally, controlling voles before the breeding season in the spring can help minimize the damage they cause to plants and trees throughout the year.
Voles are not considered dangerous to humans or pets, but their activity can cause significant damage to vegetation and landscaping.
Voles can cause damage to lawns, gardens, and crops by feeding on vegetation and gnawing on the bark of trees and shrubs. Their burrowing activity can also damage root systems and disrupt soil structures.
Voles are herbivores and primarily feed on plant matter, such as grasses, roots, bulbs, and seeds. They may also feed on bark, fruits, and vegetables.
est. 1900
est. 1900
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