How does a thuja look when infested with ticks? - briefly
Infested thuja displays dense clusters of tiny, dark ticks on the foliage, especially near branch junctions and the trunk base. Affected needles often turn yellowish, become stunted, and may show small feeding scars.
How does a thuja look when infested with ticks? - in detail
A thuja that is suffering from tick infestation shows several distinct visual changes. The foliage often loses its usual deep, uniform green tone and develops patches of lighter, yellow‑green or brown coloration. These discolored areas correspond to sites where ticks have fed and where plant tissue has been damaged.
The needles may appear wilted or twisted, especially near the base of the branches where ticks tend to congregate. Small, dark‑colored puncture marks are visible on the stem and needle surfaces; they are the entry points for the parasites and can be mistaken for fungal lesions if not examined closely.
Clusters of adult ticks are usually found on the older, thicker twigs. The insects cling to the bark, creating a noticeable accumulation that resembles tiny, dark beads. In heavy infestations, the ticks produce a fine, silvery web‑like coating as they move, giving the branch a dusty appearance.
Additional symptoms include:
- Reduced shoot growth, evident as shorter new shoots compared to healthy foliage.
- Excessive needle drop, leading to gaps in the canopy.
- Presence of tick droppings, small dark specks that accumulate on the lower side of branches.
- Secondary fungal infections, often appearing as white or gray mold on the same areas where ticks have fed.
When the infestation is severe, the overall shape of the plant becomes irregular, with dieback occurring at the tips of branches. The combination of discoloration, needle deformation, visible tick clusters, and secondary damage provides a clear indication that the arborvitae is infested.