Tree & Shrub Insect Control: Borer Activity.
Borers are insects (such as beetles or moths) which spend a portion of their development under the bark of certain trees. Many borers do not cause extensive damage to the tree and may only attack trees currently weakened by other activity. With that said, their are species of borers that can do extensive damage to healthy trees such as the Emerald Ash Borer or the bronze birch borer.
Carpenter worms
Large caterpillars which feed under the bark on sap.Clearwing Borers
Adult clearwing Borers resemble wasp. The wounds from clearwing borers do not heal and invite fungi and other insects entry to the tree.
Roundheaded Borers
Usually, the Roundheaded Borer attacks dead or weakened trees. Heavy damage may occur from this pest which may cause the death of the tree.
Weevils
The larvae stage of weevils can cause damage as they feed on the root, stem or seed of the plant. The adult stage will feed on foliage leaving crescent-shaped chew marks on both conifers and deciduous trees. Read about the Black Vine Weevil
Emerald Ash Borer
These pests quickly populated our area and have caused extensive damage and death of Ash trees. The larvae feed on the trees tissue under the bark causing extensive damage while the adults feed on the leaf of the plant. These pest are not native and insecticides are currently the recommended option for dealing with them. Jump to Emerald Ash Borer
Trees and shrubs Attacked:
All conifers and deciduous trees are susceptible to attacks by borers.
Damage to look for :
- Exit holes through the bark of the tree Die back, usually starting at the crown/top of the tree
- Galleries (s-shaped tunneling systems) under the bark of the tree
What homeowners can do:
- Keep your trees properly fertilized, most borers prefer weakened or already dead tree Remove debris, dead branches and tree stumps from the lawn
- Do not damage the tree with the mower or weed-wacker as this may create openings for beetles or moths to enter
- Prune in the winter when insects are not active
- Water trees during drought-stressed times
- Ensure that when you plant new trees they are suitable for the area you plan to place them
- If needed, apply insecticides to the tree either by foliage spray, soil injection or trunk injection
If you believe your trees or shrubs have insect activity, call Grounds Services today for a no-obligations visit at 419-536-4344.
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