Beetles Killing a Cherry Tree

Identification

• Cherry tree are susceptible to infestation from the shothole borer. The pest is a very small, reddish black, 1/10 inch long beetle. The bullet-shaped insect is a common pest of a number of deciduous fruit and nut trees.

Damage

• Shothole borers create tunnels in the bark and wood of infested trees as they feed. This feeding weakens trees and branches. Newly planted trees are most susceptible to the pests. Trees that are growing poorly or are already suffering stress are also more prone to infestation. Severe infestation kills the tree. The entry holes in the bark secrete clear-colored sap.

Management

• Maintain tree health with adequate water and fertilizer. Whitewash the trunks of younger trees to protect them from sunburn. It is best to immediately remove and destroy all infested tree areas. Remove severely infested trees entirely. There are no recommended insecticides for the pest.