As a so-called pioneer tree, the pine is a true survivor. Thanks to its amazing adaptability, it grows almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere. However, the conifer has not yet developed a protective mechanism against many a pest. In the event of an infestation, he therefore needs your help. As with any disease, early detection plays an important role in successful treatment. For this reason, the following article shows you the symptoms of the most common pests on pine and gives useful tips to remedy them.

Small caterpillars can cause great damage to the pine

Common pests of pine

More and more pine pests are introduced by humans due to globalization. Most species come from America, but are now threatening many European forest stands. These include numerous species of bark beetle, such as

  • the pine branchbuck
  • or the pine-top deep-eyed buck

In addition, put butterflies like

  • the pine moth
  • the pine owl
  • or the pine hawk moth

their eggs like to defecate on the jaws. Your caterpillars will then feed on the wood, causing your jaws to slowly and gradually die off.
Also wasp species like

  • the pine sawfly
  • or the pine sawfly

or other bugs like

  • the pine weevil
  • or the pine jewel beetle

have made pine their food source to the chagrin of many gardeners.
However, the pests mentioned are considered to be comparatively harmless. However, the following parasites are a serious threat:

nuns

Nuns show a particularly high occurrence after dry, hot summers. They then multiply explosively. Your jaw can often recover from an infestation. Unfortunately, it often doesn't stay that way, so that eating the branches again leads to the death of the tree. Forestry is allowed to use special pesticides to combat it. However, these are not permitted for private use.

pinewood nematode

Fortunately, this pest has so far remained largely absent from the forests of Germany. A local spread would have serious consequences and would destroy a large part of the coniferous forests.

How to deal with a pest infestation

Small creatures on your pine are not always harmful. Therefore, you should never act hastily.

  • contact the responsible forest service
  • Find out more about protected butterfly and insect species from the Nature Conservation Union
  • get an expert's opinion
  • always prefer natural treatments to chemical poisons

Category:

Trees