What are borers?

Wood-boring insects like certain beetles or moths lay their eggs on or inside trees. The larvae feed by tunneling through the bark, sapwood and heartwood of the tree, destroying water- and sap-conducting tissues.

How to Diagnose the Problem

Look for dead or wilting branches or tops of trees, holes or tunnels in a branch or trunk of a tree, sawdust or sap in or around the holes. Borers can attack birches, maples, spruces, honeylocusts, pines, lilacs, willows and ash. They are active April through October.

How to Control Them

As with most pest infestations, early prevention is your best line of defense. Here are some things to keep in mind at any stage

• REMOVE INFECTED BRANCH: Prune out dead wood 3-4 inches from evidence of entry.
• SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDE: Apply Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench to prevent further damage.
• EARTH FRIENDLY: Maintain healthy plants through fertilizer applications and watering during periods of drought.  Apply Elements 2-3 per year.