Infestation produces rough bark that is conducive to further infestation. Infestations may occur in recently top-worked trees, females treating these as wounds. Females are attracted to dark grafting wax and tape. Traps should be placed in mid-April, and monitored through July. Trapping in Virginia has shown that lilac borer traps are more effective at trapping DB than are DB traps.
Antennae are red with black on the dorsal side.
There is a white or yellow streak near the base of the abdomen. May. Adult activity declines through mid June, although occasional moths may be captured in July. Oak borer is a large species with bright yellow markings, causing the moth to mimic a yellowjacket. Maple callus borer has as a distinguishing characteristic a dark spot about halfway along the leading edge of the front part of the hind wing. Burr knots may be examined for the presence of protruding pupal skins.