Identification and control of insects and disease is important to help prevent downgraded quality, volume and mortality of trees in your woodlot.

Actions you can take to minimize damage includes:

• learning about the insects and disease present in your area by consulting with your local NS Department of Natural Resources Pest Detection Officers
• visit your woodland regularly to check for damage and if appropriate remove infected trees as quickly as possible
• diversify the species and age classes in your woodland
• keep your woodland as healthy as possible, removing the weaker trees to which insects and diseases are attracted
• promote beneficial insects and birds to help reduce insect problems
• document insect and disease populations and treatments used to help forecast problems in the future and understand what works effectively as a control
• develop an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy for your woodlot

There are also sites available to facilitate insect and disease diagnostics. Alberta Environment Sustainable Resource Development  has a fairly comprehensive web site for Insect & Disease identification that one can use to key out such problems.  Once logged in , one can diagnose forest pest damage by symptoms on Broadleaf trees, and by symptoms on Conifer trees. One can also search by Forest Pest, by Host Tree, and by LFD Forest Pest Damage Code. The site also has color photo images of the pests and damages.

B.C also has a diagnostic system, though it may not be quite as handy. Their system is described in a Technology Transfer Note by A. Thomson (1999) “Web-based Diagnostic Tool for Insects and Diseases of British Columbia’s Forests and Forest Nurseries”. This system is currently available on the BC Forestry Development web site.   Natural Resources Canada also has a site where you can look up trees, insects and diseases. 

RESOURCES

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Forestry Section
902-426-2110

Christmas Tree Pest Manual - ONLINE
- United States Department of Agriculture

Exotic Forest Pest Information System for North America
- Identifies exotic insects, mites and pathogens with potential to cause significant damage to North American forest resources. Database contains background information for each identified pest and is intended to serve as a resource for regulatory and forest protection agencies in North America.

Photo Archive - Great Lakes Forestry Centre
- Online
Natural Resources Canada

Nest Box Construction
- Online
Canadian Wildlife Federation

Common Pests of Trees in Ontario - PDF
Common Pests of Trees in Ontario - Web Site