The elm borer attacks a variety of hardwood trees including Chinese elm, pecan, hickory, oak, pine and dogwood. It can be an important pest of elm nursery stock where it feeds under the bark and girdles the trunk. Sampling Observe trees and woody plants for sap stains, holes in the bark, blistered, peeling or spongy bark areas, especially on plants that are stressed or have been subjected to trunk injury. Pheromones have been identified for many clear-winged moths and can be used to monitor for them. Cultural Control Preventing borers from infesting trees and other woody plants is the preferred and most effective method of control.
Stressed plants are especially susceptible to borer attack.
Carry out all approved horticultural practices to promote plant vigor and health to minimize borer infestations. Adult clear-winged borers can attack healthy as well as weak or injured trees, but are most commonly found associated with stressed plants. Biological Control Natural enemies attack borers, but do not regulate them to low levels. For the most current insecticide recommendations to control these pests, please contact the local county office of the Cooperative Extension Service.