Forest Pests and Diseases

Many insects and diseases evolved to utilize trees and forests. Some are native, some are exotic. The impact of these pests and diseases varies over space and time and goals and objectives of the landowners. Below is some information that may be of use in identifying pests and diseases and related management issues in northeast Lower Peninsula.

A Photographic Guide

This product of the US Forest Service should help identify forest insects one might find.

Pesticide Information

Gypsy Moth in Michigan
​This site covers the biology, ecology, and management of gypsy moth, with special attention to Michigan.

Gypsy Moth Egg Mass Survey Protocols
This document, drafted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, covers protocols for gypsy moth surveys in Michigan
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Natural Predators of Gypsy Moths
This document, from Michigan State University Extension, discusses organisms that prey upon gypsy moth.

Oak Wilt Ecology and Management 
This document by Michigan State University Extension covers many aspects of the ecology and management of oak wilt in Michigan.

Highlighted Exotic Forest Pests

Forest pests species highlighted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Oak Wilt in Michigan

This site covers the biology, ecology, and management of oak wilt, with special attention to Michigan.

​​Oak Wilt Sampling in Michigan
This document covers how to sample oak stems for oak wilt in Michigan. This is a related document.

Forest Health from Different Perspectives
This paper addresses how definitions for what constitutes forest health have changed over time due to our changing knowledge, the changing world, and different goals and objectives.

Invasive Plant Management and Equipment
This document addresses how to set up an invasive plant management program using the example of managing the invasive shrub, glossy buckthorn. Although research presented is specific to buckthorn, the methods described can be used on a variety of woody and herbaceous invasive plants. Monitoring of treatment effectiveness is encouraged.


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