Treatment for mesquite borer or post borer beetles - Ask Extension
We have had 3 mature mesquites die within the last 3 years on our property all within 300 ft of each other. The water table is dropping in our area ...
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Treatment for mesquite borer or post borer beetles #235190
Asked April 06, 2015, 6:45 PM EDT
We have had 3 mature mesquites die within the last 3 years on our property all within 300 ft of each other. The water table is dropping in our area and the trees experienced drought stress in 2012 & 2013. This past summer we received (much) above normal rainfall and the trees have responded favorably this spring. However we lost a beautiful large mature tree last fall. As we started to remove the tree this spring a number of small holes and piles of sawdust were noticed, you can also hear a faint "crunching" sound coming from the tree. I assume these are larvae of mesquite borers? How do we prevent these insects from infesting the rest of the mesquites in our yard & bosque?
Pima County Arizona
Expert Response
Hi,
Mesquite borers are not typically the cause of tree death as they are a minor pest in most cases. They do respond to stressed trees and are often found on firewood. For this reason there is no recommended management strategy.
Since you didn't mention that you are watering your trees, I wonder if this more likely the cause. Mature desert trees need water as demonstrated by the spring greenup you described after good winter rains. I recommend watering your trees along the drip line every three weeks during the spring, summer, and fall to a depth of 24 inches.
Peter