Controlling Borers
Borer is a general term that describes a group of serious insect pests of mostly woody plants. As a group they attack a variety of trees and shrubs, especially those that were recently planted, or ones that are stressed due to poor cultural practices or improper growing conditions. Nationwide, borers are responsible for the destruction of millions of dollars of trees, shrubs, and landscape plants each year.
Most borers are larvae of beetles or clear-winged moths. Adults lay their eggs on the bark of trees and shrubs, often in cracks and crevices. The larvae bore into the trunk or limb, and tunnel beneath the bark, feeding on the wood of the plant. In the process, they cut off the flow of water and nutrients to upper parts of the plant, usually killing everything growing above the entry point.
Discolored or wilting foliage is the first sign of borer damage. A single branch or the whole canopy may be affected. Eventually the limb or the entire plant dies. Other signs of trouble include oozing or frass (sawdust-like material) coming from the entry hole. Many species of trees and shrubs are susceptible to attack from borers, including ash, birch, dogwood, flowering fruit trees, eucalyptus and lilac.
Prevention is the best control of borers. Since they are attracted to stressed or injured plants, make sure trees and shrubs are properly cared for and well adapted to the planting site. Wounds will also invite borer infestation, so avoid damaging tree trunks with lawn mowers or weed whips. Individual limbs that have been killed by borers can be removed, otherwise pruning during the growing season should be avoided.
For sure-fire protection, treat trees and shrubs with Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate*. One application applied to the roots protects plants from borers listed on the label for up to 12 months. Especially for newly planted trees and shrubs, which are very susceptible to borer attacks, Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate is a great way to protect your landscape investment.
*Bayer Advanced™ 12-Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate is not available in New York state.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Bayer Advanced