Small pests do not respect any plant. Not even in front of such a mighty large tree as the oak. It is haunted by several species at once. What does the native pedunculate oak, also known as summer oak or German oak, have to fear?

Oak processionary moths are hard to miss

Common pests on oak trees

Many animal creatures have chosen the oak as their favorite tree. Most of them do little or no damage to the tree, which cannot be said of the species listed below.

  • Green oak moths
  • Common Frostmouse
  • oak processionary moth
  • gypsy moth
  • oak jewel beetle

Green oak moths

This pest can be found in forests, parks and gardens from June. It is green in color and has a wingspan of up to 24mm. It lays its eggs on the end shoots of the tree. After hibernation, it is the hatched caterpillars that cause major damage.

  • older trees are preferred
  • also free-standing oaks
  • from May, 2 cm long green caterpillars with black spots hatch
  • they pierce fresh buds
  • later they eat leaves, which they cover with webs

Native songbirds prey on this pest, no matter what stage of development it is at.

Common Frostmouse

This type of pest comes together with the first frost from mid-October. Common winter moths place their eggs on the oak, from which the voracious caterpillars hatch from April.

  • Infestation is short-lived
  • usually only 1 to 2 years
  • Caterpillars eat flower buds and leaves
  • baldness often occurs

In June, the caterpillars can be seen roping down the tree on fine threads to pupate in the ground.

oak processionary moth

The caterpillars of this species of pest spin themselves a nest in the branches of the oak. They live there during the day while feeding at night. They can pose a serious threat to a not-so-healthy oak tree.

tips

Seek professional help when dealing with these types of pests, as direct contact with them can cause skin irritation.

gypsy moth

Occasionally, the gypsy moth can appear en masse from August to September. It lays its eggs on the trunk and branches of the oak. The round clusters of eggs resemble a sponge, which has contributed to its naming. From April of the following year, the hatched caterpillars get to work and eat the oak leaves in large quantities.

oak jewel beetle

The oak jewel beetle prefers older oaks that have already formed a strong trunk with thick bark.

  • occur more often after dry summers
  • Larvae hide behind the oak bark
  • they eat burrows in trunks and branches
  • Juice supply is interrupted
  • Trunk and branches can die off

Category:

Trees