Your trees aren’t just background scenery. They throw shade when your patio’s too hot to handle, hold the swing your kid refuses to outgrow, and block your neighbor’s spotlight that somehow never turns off. Summer brings life to those trees, but it also invites a wave of uninvited guests.
In Nebraska, warm weather signals a new shift. Not just in temperature, but in activity. Tiny mandibles, silk-spinning larvae, and sap-sucking freeloaders all show up like they’ve been planning it since spring.
Japanese Beetles Don’t Even Try to Be Subtle
By July, your birch or linden might start looking like it went through a paper shredder. Japanese beetles show up with zero chill, targeting the upper canopy where no one sees the damage until leaves look lacy and useless.
They feed during the day and leave nothing neat behind. If you’ve ever looked up and noticed your tree suddenly feels thinner, they’re probably up there. Catching them early helps because once the whole squad arrives, your tree becomes their lunchtime regular.
Bagworms Are Masters of Disguise
Bagworms don’t buzz and they don’t crawl up your arm—they just hang out. You might mistake them for pinecones or plant debris until you realize they’re moving, or worse, multiplying. They start by blending in, then feed from inside their camouflaged cases.
You’ll usually spot them on arborvitae, cedar, or spruce, but they’re not picky when food gets scarce. If the branches start thinning out from the inside, it’s worth checking for what’s hiding in plain sight.
Aphids Turn Your Tree into a Sticky Situation
Aphids don’t need to chew holes to cause chaos. They sit under leaves, suck the juices, and leave behind honeydew—a sticky mess that clings to your patio furniture, windshield, or anything else under the tree.
You might not notice the bugs themselves, but you’ll spot the residue. If you leave it long enough, black mold follows. A hard hose spray can knock them off, but some trees keep calling them back. You’ll need to check often and may need to follow up with treatment.
Emerald Ash Borer Stays Quiet Until It Ruins Everything
If your ash tree is starting to look thin at the top, it may already be under siege. Emerald ash borer doesn’t leave visible damage right away. The larvae burrow under the bark, cutting off nutrient flow without ever showing their faces.
Look for D-shaped holes, peeling bark, or early leaf drop. If you’re noticing dead limbs high up, it’s time for a closer inspection. This pest spreads fast and is difficult to manage once established. Early intervention is key.
Spider Mites Aren’t Just a Houseplant Problem
Think your maple looks dusty? Spider mites make fine webbing and leave behind speckled leaves that look dull or faded. They love dry, hot weather and can spread fast during drought conditions.
You won’t always see the mites themselves, but you’ll see the dullness, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop if they get comfortable. Shake a branch over a white piece of paper—if tiny dots fall and start moving, it’s likely mites.
Why Local Pest Knowledge Matters
Nebraska’s tree pests thrive in specific conditions unique to our region. Knowing what pests are most active in summer helps you stay proactive. Local arborists and tree care experts can provide guidance specific to your property’s trees and recommend treatments that align with both the tree species and the threat.
Don’t Let Summer Run the Show
Pests don’t show up with warning signs. They settle in fast, do the damage quietly, and leave your tree worn out by August. You don’t need fancy tools to check on your trees. Walk under the canopy, look up, touch the leaves, run your hand along the bark. If something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thought: Stay One Step Ahead
You don’t have to treat everything yourself, but early awareness buys you options. Letting pests get the upper hand turns manageable problems into expensive ones. Your trees are holding up their end of the deal. Keep them standing strong through the heat by staying alert, asking questions, and acting before the damage becomes permanent.
Tree Services of Omaha – Tree Removal Services
Tree Services of Omaha, Nebraska is a full-service tree care provider that offers a wide range of arborist services including but not limited to: Tree Removal Services, Tree Trimming, Tree Pruning, Tree and shrubs Shaping, Stump Removal, Stump Grinding, Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, Arborist Consultations, Systemic Tree Injection (Tree Healthcare).
Contact us today for a free estimate!
