Boring insects are often the most harmful to trees and if left intreated can cause death. Boring, or tunneling, insects cause damage by boring into the stem, roots, or twigs of a tree. Some lay eggs which then hatch and the larvae burrow more deeply into the wood blocking off the water-conducting tissues of the tree. Boring insects generally feed on the vascular tissues of the tree. If the infestation is serious, the upper leaves are starved of nutrients and moisture and the tree can die. Signs of borer infestation include entry/exit holes in the bark, small mounds of sawdust at the base, and sections of the crown wilting and dying. It is important to regularly monitor a tree's trunk for signs of boring insects to enable early identification and quick treatment.

Examples
Asian Longhorned Beetle, Bronze Birch Borer, Dogwood Borer, Elm Bark Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer, Giant Palm Weevil

Control
The key is to prevent infestation by keeping the tree as healthy as possible. This includes proper pruning, watering, mulching and fertilization. Pruning should be done in late fall or winter to avoid attracting insects to open wounds. Dead or fallen wood should be removed immediately. Once borers are present, control becomes extremely difficult, but steps should be taken to prevent further damage and to stop the spread to surrounding trees.

Recommended Products

• Multi-Insect Killer Tree Injection Kit is applied directly into a tree's trunk. The injection enables rapid release (about 72 hours) of the insecticide (based on Merit) within the trees thus slowing further damage as well as preventing other borers from entering and attacking the tree.

• Once-A-Year Insecticidal Soil Drench w/Merit is ideally applied in the fall or early spring to provide protection against boring insects throughout the growing season.
  

• TreeHelp Annual Care Kit is an effective tool to promote the overall health of the tree to assist it in repairing the damage done by boring insects. A strong and healthy tree is also less of a target for boring insects.