Report It: Protect Ohio Trees From Dangerous Invasive Pests.
Report It: Protect Ohio Trees From Dangerous Invasive Pests.
Ohio’s trees face growing pressure from invasive insects and pathogens that can weaken neighborhoods, damage ecosystems, and create hazardous deadwood. Some of these pests are already here. Others — like the European chestnut moth — have devastated trees overseas and could threaten our buckeyes if introduced.
Major Invasive Pests to Watch For.
European Chestnut Moth (Cameraria ohridella) — Not in the U.S. yet.
European Chestnut Moth (Cameraria ohridella) — Not in the U.S. yet.
This pest has destroyed horse chestnut trees across Europe. It causes dense leaf mining, early browning, and mid summer canopy collapse.
Spongy Moth (Gypsy Moth).
Spongy Moth (Gypsy Moth).
Already established in Ohio, this pest defoliates oak, birch, willow, and aspen. Heavy infestations can strip entire neighborhoods bare.
Emerald Ash Borer.
Emerald Ash Borer.
One of the most destructive invasive insects in North America. It kills ash trees by tunneling beneath the bark. Signs include canopy dieback, D shaped exit holes, and woodpecker damage.
Asian Longhorned Beetle.
Asian Longhorned Beetle.
A federally regulated pest capable of killing maple, birch, horse chestnut, willow, and elm. Look for large round exit holes and excessive sawdust at the base of the tree.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.
A tiny insect that kills hemlocks by draining sap from needles. Signs include white cotton like masses, needle loss, and branch dieback.
Walnut Twig Beetles and Thousand Cankers Disease.
Walnut Twig Beetles and Thousand Cankers Disease.
Caused by a fungus spread by walnut twig beetles. It threatens black walnut trees — a valuable part of Ohio’s forest and urban canopy.
When to Report.
Report any of the following:
- Sudden or unusual leaf browning.
- Dense leaf mining or blotching.
- Early leaf drop.
- Unexplained canopy dieback.
- Strange exit holes or sawdust.
- Rapid decline in an otherwise healthy tree.
- If something looks “off,” it’s better to report it and let experts decide.
Where to Report Suspected Invasive Pests.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (Division of Forestry). Call 614 265 6694 or use the ODNR Invasive Species Reporting Form.
Why Reporting Matters.
Invasive pests spread silently. By the time damage is obvious, entire neighborhoods may be affected. Early reporting helps protect Ohio’s buckeyes, maples, oaks, and ash prevent hazardous tree decline. Reduce costly removals, preserve shade, property value, and neighborhood beauty.
