FacebookLinkedinYoutubeInstagram
  • Contact Us
  • (262) 538-1900
Wachtel Tree Science Logo Wachtel Tree Science Retina Logo Wachtel Tree Science Mobile Logo Wachtel Tree Science Mobile Retina Logo

Keeping Trees Healthy & Beautiful Since 1935

  • Services
    • Plant Health Care
    • Sick Trees
    • Fertilization
    • Tree & Shrub Pruning
    • Tree and Shrub Planting Services
    • Tree Cabling Services
    • Construction Protection
    • Root Collar Excavation
    • Tree Removal & Stump Grinding
  • Consulting
    • Municipal Tree Consulting
    • Commercial Tree Consulting
    • Residential Tree Consulting
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Safety and Education
    • Our Team
    • Our Certifications
    • Let’s Get Social
    • Service Area Arborist Locator
    • Testimonials
  • Resources
    • Tree Diseases
    • Tree Pests
    • Our Newsletters
    • Seasonal Tree Care Calendar
  • Careers
  • Contact
Home / Resources / Our Newsletters / Winter / Invasive Pests on the Horizon

Invasive Pests on the Horizon

Written by: Nate Schuettpelz, Certfied Arborist, Municipal Specialist, WI-0887AM, TRAQ

Posted: 2023 | Emerald Ash Borer | Insect Control | Plant Health Care | Winter

We are all too familiar with the destruction that a single pest or pathogen can bring to our trees. Two of the most evident examples from the recent past would be Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Dutch Elm Disease. Thankfully, pests of this significant nature are not common. We can use lessons learned from them to help us manage future issues since we know the importance of proactive management. Now, we are monitoring two potentially threatening insects: a resurgence of Spongy Moth and a potential of a new insect called Spotted Lanternfly.

moth-laying-eggs

Adult spongy moth laying an egg mass

Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar) received a name change early in 2022, previously being known as “Gypsy Moth”. Spongy moth is a non-native, introduced pest in Wisconsin. Their life cycle starts with small caterpillars emerging from egg masses that have overwintered on tree trunks and branches. These caterpillars are voracious leaf eaters and can cause widespread defoliation of mature trees throughout late spring and early summer. Oak trees are the primary food source for the spongy moth, plus maples, walnuts, lindens, and even spruce trees can experience some level of defoliation. 2022 also saw an increased spike of forest defoliation that had not been observed for the better part of 15 years. The weather and other factors can play a variable role in control, but the stage is set for a high level of defoliation this coming year.

The Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is 1 inch long as an adult and has brilliantly colored red hindwings and a yellow and black abdomen. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) continued spreading west in 2022 across Michigan and geographically jumped to Iowa. So far in Wisconsin, only dead adult specimens were positively identified on nursery stock in 2022. This pest has shown a highly invasive nature and it is only a matter of time before SLF becomes an issue in Wisconsin. Adults prefer to feed on grapevines and tree of heaven. The nymphs have a much broader host range and will feed on grapes, hops, roses, and hardwoods, including maple, walnut, willow, and poplar. Feeding can cause tree decline that can lead to mortality.

If you are unsure about how these pests may impact the trees on your property, call Wachtel Tree Science to utilize the ISA Certified Arborists on staff to provide tree and pest identification. We will deliver the best solutions to keep your trees happy and healthy!

Related Newsletters

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle originally published his children’s book in 1969 about a caterpillar that eats everything in its path and eventually turns into a beautiful butterfly, enjoyed by all. There is another side to this story – this time instead of a beautiful butterfly the caterpillar turns into a regular colored moth.

elm tree

The Elm Comeback

Once a distant memory of the past, the opportunity to plant an Emerald Ash Borer, one of the most well adapted trees for growing in urban and suburban conditions, has returned. 

Tree Planting Service

A Planting Status Update

When you toss a rock into a peaceful pond, ripples radiate out in all directions to influence whatever they roll past. Lilly pads undulate, surface weeds jiggle and the shoreline shifts ever so slightly.

moth-laying-eggs

Get A Quick Answer

Newsletter Signup

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact Information

N72 W28393 St. Paul Ave, P.O. Box 716,
Merton, WI 53056

(262) 538-1900

Send Us An Email

Get The Latest

Let’s Get Social

Our Newsletters

Newsletter Signup

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Copyright 2025 Wachtel Tree Science. All Rights Reserved. Designed by Top Floor

  • Privacy Policy

Get science-based tree care from our ISA Certified Arborists

Contact Us
X