Katy landscapes are adorned with oak trees of many varieties.  The stately hallmark of neighborhoods, commonly required by deed restrictions, these magnificent trees are a source of pride and enjoyment – and some really unpleasant experiences, depending upon which pestilence Mother Nature selects one year to the next!

An occasional insect invasion likely will not kill a healthy tree.  But it can further stress a tree already suffering from drought, construction damage and/or prior insect infestation.  Annual inspection by a qualified professional to properly identify problems and recommend appropriate corrective treatments is a good investment.  Reputable, licensed companies such as JNJ Pest Control & Grounds Care, Inc. can help head-off a host of problems.

The insect problems most common in the spring will fall into one of two categories: sucking insects that drain the tree of fluid and nutrients; caterpillars that feed on foliage. What goes in subsequently comes out:  all the intake will reappear somewhere.

The sucking insects range from larger versions of aphids similar to those found on shrubs to small, soft scale insects that ultimately will excrete a chemical that dries as a hard shell over its body, rendering it impenetrable to insecticide spray. 

They attach to tree bark and feed voraciously, producing significant amounts of sticky honeydew – a polite term for GOO - which drops from the tree.  This accumulation can attract all manner of ants, wasps and other insects and leave your car looking somewhat like a glazed donut.

The assorted caterpillars come in a variety of colors and usually appear in large, squirming hoards.  Some cover themselves with a web on the trunk, used as home base for foliage feeding; others head for the tender young leaves and stay there until the area is defoliated. 

While all this is occurring, if the caterpillars don’t inadvertently fall from the tree, their droppings surely will.  What with all the roughage, this may be a significant happening particularly when the material dissolves in moisture and stain decks and driveways.  That’s all there is to say about POO...