They have a part in culling out weak and inferior trees, breaking down and recycling litter on the forest floor, and providing food sources for birds and other animals. However, certain insects can pose serious threats to tree health. Periodically, insect populations and activities will increase due to weather and climate conditions, natural disasters, and human activities. When insects attack valuable trees, killing or weakening them so that other insects or diseases can attack, they are considered pests. In forestry, control measures begin with using good cultural methods to promote vigorous, healthy trees.
Healthy trees are less likely to be attacked by insect pests than are weakened or sick trees.
In cases where forests or valuable trees become infested with critical populations of insect pest, active control may become necessary to protect valuable forest resources. Early detection and diagnosis of problems are important. Only when insect pest problems have been properly diagnosed, can effective control be initiated. Control measures must be tailored to the type of insect, the forest type, infestation severity, and environmental and other factors. Below are links to assist with the identification and control of the insect pests that affect North Carolina's forests.