Oak - These pests infest it the most

Oak - what pests dare to attack this large tree?

Common pests on oak trees

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

Green oak moth
Common Frostworms
Oak processionary moth
Gypsy moth
Oak splendor beetle

Green oak moth

This pest can be found in forests, parks and gardens from June. It is colored green and has a wingspan of up to 24 mm. It lays its eggs on the terminal shoots of the tree. After wintering, it is the hatched caterpillars that cause great 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 hunt this pest, no matter what stage of development it is.

Common Frostworms

This type of pest comes along with the first frost from mid-October. Common frostworms 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 abseiling down fine threads from the tree to pupate in the ground.

Oak processionary moth

The caterpillars of this pest spin a nest in the branches of the oak. They live in it during the day while they eat at night. They can be a serious threat to a not-so-healthy oak.

Tips

Look for professional help in combating this type of pest, 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 piles 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 to a large extent.