Winter is spent in the larval stage in tunnels beneath the bark. Depending on location, adults emerge from early spring through August. They feed on leaves for several weeks before laying eggs on unshaded bark. Weakened or injured trees are preferred by this pest, but healthy trees are also attacked. Trees which have been recently transplanted or those on stress-prone sites are especially susceptible.
Numerous galleries can girdle the tree, causing branch dieback.
Infestation and dieback tend to start at the top of the tree and move down. Prune off dead and dying branches before adults emerge in early spring. Maintaining or improving vigor of trees through proper fertilization, watering, and control of defoliators can help reduce attack. Chemical controls are generally not effective by the time a problem is detected . Drooz, A.T. 1985.