Small pests have no respect for any plant. Not even in front of a huge tree like the oak. It is plagued by several species. What does the native English oak, also known as summer oak or German oak, have to fear?
Which pests often attack oak trees?
Common pests that can attack oak trees are the green oak moth, the common frost moth, the oak processionary moth, the gypsy moth and the oak jewel beetle. They can attack leaves, buds and bark, causing serious damage to the tree.
Common pests on oak trees
Many animals have chosen the oak as their favorite tree. Most of them do little or no harm to the tree, although this cannot be said about the species listed below.
- Green oak moth
- Common frost moth
- Oak Processionary Moth
- Gypsy moth
- Oak jewel beetle
Green oak moth
This pest can be found in forests, parks and gardens from June onwards. It is green in color and has a wingspan of up to 24 mm. It lays its eggs on the end shoots of the tree. After overwintering, it is the hatched caterpillars that cause major damage.
- older trees are preferred
- also free-standing oak trees
- 2 cm long green caterpillars with black dots will hatch from May onwards
- they drill fresh buds
- later they eat leaves, which they cover with webs
Local songbirds hunt this pest, no matter what stage of development it is currently in.
Common frost moth
This type of pest occurs together with the first frost from mid-October. Common frost 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 rappelling down from the tree on fine threads to pupate in the ground.
Oak Processionary Moth
The caterpillars of this pest species spin a nest in the branches of oak trees. They live there during the day while they feed at night. They can pose a serious threat to a less than he althy oak tree.
Tip
Seek professional assistance when combating this type of pest, as direct contact with them can cause skin irritation.
Gypsy moth
Occasionally the gypsy moth can also appear in large numbers from August to September. It lays its eggs on the trunk and branches of the oak tree. The round clusters of eggs resemble a sponge, which contributed to its name. 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 beetle prefers older oaks that have already formed a strong trunk with thick bark.
- occur more frequently after dry summers
- Larvae hide behind the oak bark
- they eat tunnels in the trunk and branches
- Juice supply is interrupted
- Trunk and branches can die
