Peach Tree Borers: A Guide for Young Gardeners
Peach tree borers are one of the most destructive pests that can attack peach trees and other pitted fruit trees like plum, cherry, nectarine, and apricot. These pests can cause serious damage to trees, leading to decline and even death.
How Peach Tree Borers Damage Trees
Peach tree borers are the larvae of a moth. The larvae tunnel through the bark of trees, feeding on the sapwood just beneath the surface. This feeding activity weakens the tree and makes it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.
The adult moths lay their eggs on the trunks of trees, and the eggs hatch within a week to ten days. The larvae then bore into the bark and begin feeding. The larvae are whitish in color and can be seen under the bark of damaged trees.
How to Control Peach Tree Borers
Controlling peach tree borers can be difficult, but there are several methods that can be effective.
Preventive Measures
- Keep trees healthy: Healthy trees are more resistant to pests and diseases. Water your trees regularly, fertilize them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and prune them to remove any dead or diseased branches.
- Inspect trees regularly: Inspect your trees regularly for signs of peach tree borer damage. Look for oozing sap, sawdust, or the presence of larvae under the bark.
Insecticides
- Chemical insecticides: There are several chemical insecticides that can be used to control peach tree borers. These insecticides are typically applied to the trunk of the tree and the soil around the base of the tree.
- Organic insecticides: There are also several organic insecticides that can be used to control peach tree borers. These insecticides are typically made from natural ingredients, such as neem oil or pyrethrum.
Other Control Methods
- Paradichlorobenzene (PDB) crystals: PDB crystals can be used to control peach tree borers. The crystals are placed around the base of the tree in the fall. The crystals release a gas that kills the larvae.
- Beneficial insects: Some beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps, can help to control peach tree borers. These insects lay their eggs on the larvae of peach tree borers, and the eggs hatch into larvae that feed on the peach tree borer larvae.
What and When to Spray for Peach Tree Borers
If you decide to use insecticides to control peach tree borers, it is important to spray the trees at the right time of year. The best time to spray is within the first or second week of July and again in late August or September.
When spraying trees, be sure to follow the instructions on the insecticide label carefully. Do not spray on foliage or any fruit that may still be on the tree.
Additional Tips
- Remove infested bark: If you find any areas of bark that are infested with peach tree borer larvae, remove the infested bark as soon as possible. This will help to prevent the larvae from spreading to other parts of the tree.
- Dispose of infested wood: Dispose of any infested wood by burning it or burying it. Do not compost infested wood, as this could spread the larvae to other trees.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your peach trees from peach tree borers and keep your trees healthy and productive.
