Eliminating Crusader Bugs from Bald Cypress Trees

As a bald cypress tree owner, noticing those unique orange and black crusader bugs crawling on your tree’s bark and foliage can be alarming. While not overly harmful to trees, these tiny insects can become a nuisance with their sheer numbers during spring emergence. Getting rid of crusader bugs requires persistence and an integrated pest management approach. But with the right techniques, you can knock back these invaders and keep them from swarming your prized bald cypresses.

Understanding Crusader Bugs

Crusader bugs (Mictis profana) get their name from the religious crusader-style cross pattern on their black wings. These sap-sucking true bugs emerge en masse in spring to mate and lay eggs on bald cypress trees. They secrete sugary honeydew that can coat branches and attract sooty mold fungus. While crusader bugs don’t severely injure trees, their swarms can certainly detract from your landscape’s aesthetic.

Eco-Friendly Crusader Bug Control Methods

When dealing with crusader bugs on bald cypress trees, opt for an IPM approach using multiple low-impact control tactics:

• Prune infested branches – Prune off small infested branches and destroy them to quickly reduce bugs Disinfect shears between cuts,

• Use insecticidal soap – Insecticidal soaps physically disrupt soft bug bodies. Spray directly on bugs for quick knockdown.

• Apply horticultural oil – These oils smother bugs and eggs. Use dormant oil in spring before buds open.

• Use jet spray washes – Powerful water sprays can dislodge bugs from trees. Avoid excessive bark damage.

• Introduce natural predators – Entice beneficial insects like lady beetles that feast on crusader bugs.

• Set sticky traps – Yellow sticky traps can capture emerging adult bugs in spring.

• Encourage parasitoid wasps – Tiny wasps lay eggs inside bugs, killing them. Avoid spraying trees with wasp activity.

• Tolerate low populations – If bugs aren’t severely covering the tree, simply tolerate moderate numbers.

When to Take Action

• Monitor trees carefully in early spring for swarming crusader bugs. Take preventive action immediately at the first signs. It’s much easier to control small populations.

• Target immature nymphs for best results. Nymphs are more vulnerable than mature bugs.

• Repeat treatments may be needed as new generations of bugs emerge over an extended springtime period.

• Avoid excessive pesticide use which can harm beneficial insects that help naturally control bugs.

Maintaining Tree Health

Keep bald cypress trees as vigorous and resistant to pests as possible:

• Water during dry periods – drought-stressed trees are more susceptible.

• Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer in early spring.

• Prune selectively to improve air circulation.

• Clean up fallen leaves/debris to eliminate bug habitat.

• Wash off honeydew and sooty mold buildup.

• Plant native plants to attract beneficial insects.

When to Call a Professional

If crusader bug populations explode beyond control on your bald cypress, don’t hesitate to have an arborist or pest control professional assess the situation. They have access to additional treatment options and equipment for knocking back severe infestations. The sooner you can get an out-of-control crusader bug problem under control, the less stress it will cause your valuable trees.

With a multi-pronged crusader bug management plan implemented at the first signs of spring activity, you can protect your beautiful bald cypresses from swarming insect pests. Combining biological, mechanical and least-toxic chemical controls while promoting overall tree health gives you the best chance of effective, eco-friendly crusader bug control.