Tree burrowing Pest

[Chomper Higgot]

Any ideas of how to deal with tree burrowing pests?

 

These have taken up residence in one of our garden trees, refer photo:

 

The tree is old but otherwise healthy.

 

 

[drtreelove]

I'm not sure what that worm is, but there is low tox general treatment available for wood boring beetles and moth larvae.

 

Apply a pyrethroid insecticide drench (permethrin, cypermenthrin, or preferably bifenthrin active ingredient as in Chaindrite Stefast 30SC. Dilute 30 ml of the concentrated product wih 1 liter of water, spray on the wounded stems where borers and their 'frass' are present. Spray only the woody stems, avoid excessive over-spray and soil contamination. Pyrethoids are low toxicity for mammals, people and pets, deadly for insects and fish, avoid ponds and creeks. But wear long sleeves and pants and mask to avoid skin and respiratory exposure ). Bifenthrin has longest residual effectiveness, 6 months or more, while organic insect repellents would have to be repeated every week or two. Pyrethoids are not systemic and won't enter the conductive tissues of the tree, the flowers or fruit. 

 

But I believe that the borer is not the causal factor of the wounding, it is a secondary opportunist invading the exposed heartwood of the previously wounded stems. The borer activity will likely not advance the wounding of living tissue, but could hasten the decomp of the heartwood and structurally weaken the stem. 

 

In general for preventive management, avoid wounding of woody stems, build healthy soil which promotes general tree health, natural resistance to pests and diseases, and facilitates the formation of callus tissue and wound closure . 

 

I hope that helps, Don

[novacova]

It appears to be a buprestidae species. Not sure if spraying chemicals will help since the critters are boring under the bark, and if it is a buprestidae species then note its ability to metabolize toxic heavy metals, even living under tree bark soaked with arsenic or lead. The tree became a host for pathogens due to the bole damage, most of the time the tree will recover. Just let it take its course. BTW, what tree species, hackberry?

[Chomper Higgot]

Thank you both for taking the time to respond with helpful suggestions.

 

The tree is a Chum Saeng (Xanthophyllum lanceatum)

 

I’ll apply the treatments DTL has recommended but also work on improving the soil around the tree.

 

I have about 2 cubic meters of leaf mold/banana tree  compost that I will start with and some micronutrients recommended by the local farm supply shop.

 

Thanks again.