Master Gardener Decision Support Guide

Trees

This is one of several insect borers including ambrosia beetles, flatheaded borers, roundheaded borers, and the red-shouldered bostrichid. In most cases these borers attack trees that are already under stress, in declining health, or recently dead. In some cases the insect also introduces a fungus which may hasten the plant's decline.
These insects cannot be killed within the plant. Severely infested plants or plant parts should be removed and destroyed to protect other nearby plants. Protective sprays of Pyrellin, Pyrenone, or a pyrethroid product such as cyfluthrin may be attempted to protect plants not yet damaged. These sprays may need to be repeated weekly during times when adult beetles are active and are often ineffective. Encouraging good plant health and vigor through sound horticultural practices is the best preventive approach.

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Designed by Al Cooke on December 1, 1999.
Contents modified on Friday, August 30, 2002.
Last checked on Friday, August 30, 2002