Biology and Management of Clearwing Borers in Woody Plants

Abstract

Clearwing borers are injurious and difficult to control pests of woody ornamental plants. Diagnosis and general control practices for borers are discussed. Emergence and flight periods, based on trapping studies with synthetic sex attractants, are reported for six common clearwing borers, and optimal treatment dates are projected. Research indicates that trees with certain characteristics, such as bark injuries or exposure to full sun, are especially prone to infestation. Proper site selection and tree management can help to prevent borer problems.