Tree Borers
Important Facts about Tree Borers
Few insects can be as damaging to a living tree as tree borers; their presence usually proves to be a fatal occurrence to the tree.
There are wood boring beetles that concentrate on seasoned timber while others, such as tree borers, lend their focus on living trees. Rarely are the two interchangeable in their diets, which rely on moisture or lack of moisture found in the wood. In the living tree, the beetle tunnels either under the bark or can also go deep into the heart of the tree.
It is important to note that, while most of the infestations do indeed result in the death of the tree, if the tree borers are found early enough before they inflict a great deal of damage, the tree may be able to be saved.
The infestation begins when the adult tree borers lay eggs either on or in the bark of the tree. When the eggs hatch into larvae, they chew paths into the tree; either remaining under the bark or tunneling into the tree trunk. Depending on the type of tree borers and other conditions, the larvae can remain in this most damaging stage for weeks, months or even years. During this period, the tree is continually being weakened; leaving them all the more susceptible to return visits by the beetle in consecutive seasons. When the larvae finally mature, the adult beetle will eat their way from within the tree to fly off to mate and lay their eggs on some other unfortunate victim; repeating the cycle.
Trees that are frequently targets of tree borers include pine, spruce, fir, lilac, ash and willows. However, fruit trees such as peach and shade trees are also affected by this destructive insect.
Prevention can be difficult for numerous trees, but it is possible to discourage infestation of tree borers. Healthy, strong trees that are receiving adequate amounts of water are least likely to sustain attack from the beetles. The insects zone in on trees which are weakened or stressed, so ensuring that your trees are in the ideal environments for their requirements will make them healthier specimens that will not attract the tree borers.
When infestation of these beetles is noted in one of your trees, it is important to act quickly to possibly eliminate further spread. Small holes, possibly with dust or sap emitting from the site, are a good indication of the presence of the larvae of tree borers. Clean holes likely mean that the adult borer has already taken flight; although eggs for the next generation may already have been laid. Chemical treatment can save a tree that is not heavily infested; otherwise, removal and destruction of the tree will be needed to save other trees.
Tree borers are destructive and can be life endangering to your trees. Continuous inspection of your trees is needed to check for their presence and hopefully, save the trees.