Just because pests go quiet in winter doesn’t mean they disappear. In fact, cold months are a critical time to protect your trees from invasive species—not because pests are active, but because they’re hiding.
While most insects enter dormancy or hibernate during cold weather, their eggs, larvae, and spores remain tucked away in bark crevices, soil, or wood—waiting to emerge in spring. The good news? Winter gives you a rare window to detect and stop them before they do any damage.
Here’s what every homeowner in Lee’s Summit should know about winter pest prevention—and how Master’s Tree Care Experts can help you stay one step ahead.
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Do Invasive Pests Survive the Winter?
Yes—and they’re more dangerous than they look.
Many invasive pests, including the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and spotted lanternfly, survive by hiding in tree bark, egg masses, or root zones during winter. Even fungal spores and bacterial blight can lay dormant through the cold months, only to infect your trees when temperatures rise.
Here’s how they survive:
- Under bark: Larvae or eggs are insulated from harsh conditions.
- In leaf litter or mulch: Moisture and shelter allow pathogens to persist.
- Inside woodpiles: Firewood is a common transport method for invasive insects.
The key to stopping them is identifying early warning signs before they hatch or awaken.
How Can I Spot Dormant Pest Issues in Winter?
Winter is the perfect time to conduct visual inspections—when leaves are gone, bark is exposed, and hidden damage becomes easier to detect.
Look for these signs of overwintering pests:
- Tiny holes or exit tunnels in bark (borer activity)
- Sawdust-like material (frass) at the tree’s base
- Peeling or splitting bark
- Galls, egg masses, or sticky sap oozing from branches
- Fungal growth near the root flare or on trunks
If you spot any of these, don’t wait until spring. Pest infestations can weaken a tree’s structure, open it up to disease, and create long-term damage that may not be reversible. Schedule a pest and tree health assessment with our arborists for a full inspection.
What Winter Pest Prevention Steps Can I Take?
While winter may seem like a time to rest, it’s actually one of the most important seasons for proactive pest management. Here’s how to keep your trees safe:
1. Inspect and Prune
Removing dead or damaged limbs limits overwintering sites for pests. It also improves tree structure and makes infestations easier to spot.
2. Clean Up Debris
Remove fallen leaves, mulch piles, and leftover fruit from under trees. These attract pests and promote fungal growth.
3. Avoid Storing Firewood Near Trees
Pests often hide in firewood and can migrate to nearby living trees. Store wood at least 20 feet away from your home and tree trunks.
4. Protect Tree Trunks
Use protective wraps on young or thin-barked trees to prevent cracking—and to deter burrowing pests like voles and rabbits.
5. Schedule a Winter Tree Health Check
Our certified arborists can detect dormant pest infestations early and recommend treatments or preventative measures before spring arrives.
Why Should I Worry About Pests When It’s Cold?
It’s easy to assume that pests die off in winter, but many of the most destructive tree insects lay the groundwork for spring damage during cold months. In fact, by the time you see visible symptoms like leaf drop or bark splitting in spring or summer, the infestation is already advanced.
Here’s what’s at risk:
- Structural stability: Pest tunnels weaken limbs and can cause branches to fail during storms.
- Tree longevity: Repeated pest damage stresses the tree’s immune system, shortening its lifespan.
- Surrounding trees: Many pests spread quickly, especially species with no natural predators in Missouri.
Don’t let your trees become breeding grounds for problems. Winter is your opportunity to catch infestations early, before they have a chance to spread.
Get Ahead of Pests with Master’s Tree Care Experts
Protecting your trees from pests doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. At Master’s Tree Care Experts, we provide year-round pest management services designed to safeguard your landscape—no matter the season.
Our winter tree care includes:
- Comprehensive pest and disease assessments
- Visual inspections for early signs of infestation
- Structural pruning to eliminate potential pest habitats
- Soil evaluations to strengthen tree immunity
- Targeted treatment recommendations to protect your trees before spring
We’re licensed, insured, and backed by over 20 years of experience handling Missouri’s most destructive invasive species.
Schedule Your Winter Pest Inspection Today
Early detection is everything. If you suspect pest activity—or simply want peace of mind this winter—call Master’s Tree Care Experts at (913) 909-9768 or schedule your inspection online.
Dormant pests don’t wait—and neither should you. Take action now to protect your trees before spring comes knocking.