Peachtree Borer

Adults are day-flyers. They have clear wings. Females are dark blue with an orange abdomen band. Males and lesser females are blue with narrow yellow bands in various spots throughout the body and wings. Larvae are white with dark brown heads.

Larvae overwinter in the tree or in soil near the trunk, then spin cocoons and pupate in or near their holes. Adults emerge from spring through fall. There are two generations in the southern warmer states. Females lay small, reddish brown eggs on or under the bark. The eggs hatch in 1-3 weeks and the larvae immediately burrow into the tree.

Symptoms include holes near the soil line. Sticky sap, sawdust, and debris. Infested trees lose vigor and their leaves may turn yellow.

Parasites and predators include tiny brachonid wasps, a "flesh fly", ants, spiders, moles, birds, mice, and skunks.

Other controls include mulching, fertilizing, and watering to keep trees healthy. Prevent bark injuries that allow easier entry for larvae. Inspect trunks and destroy visible larvae. Inject a solution of beneficial nematodes into the borer holes. A flexible wire can be inserted into the holes to kill borers, but may injure trees further. If you do use this form of control, wait for the wound to dry and then coat it with interior latex paint. Pheremone mating disruptors are effective in orchards.

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