It emerges in N.Y. in June, and is active at night, normally hiding by day. Eggs are laid mainly from late June through July in the bark near soil level. Two weeks are required to hatch, after which the larvae bore into the sapwood, and create tunnels throughout the lower trunk area. This insect takes 2-3 years to develop, and is closest to the surface during first and last few months of its life. Because of its concealed habit and long life cycle, control of this borer is problematic and can be rather labor-intensive.
Check trunks above barriers for evidence of small larvae working just beneath the surface.
Check bark for small pinholes with sawdust exuding from them. If a tree is injured beyond recovery, it should be taken out and burned before the following spring to prevent borers inside from completing their life cycle. American Plum Borer Eggs of this moth are deposited on cherry and peach trees in cracks under loose bark and hatch in a few days. Larval tunnels are shallow with frequent openings to the outer bark, where red frass accumulates. The larvae can't bore into the cambium unless a wound of some sort is present.