Peach Borer - Ask Extension
Hi! I have a few apricot trees that look like they have peach borers (is that possible? I'm pretty uneducated, but it seems like that is what it is fr...
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Peach Borer #869331
Asked May 20, 2024, 5:08 PM EDT
Hi! I have a few apricot trees that look like they have peach borers (is that possible? I'm pretty uneducated, but it seems like that is what it is from what I researched?)--there are large "bubbles" of sap on the truck and some larger limbs and fruit usually has holes in the middle and the seed is split in previous seasons. There are also some winged bugs by the roots. I read the publication about treatments and am a bit confused. I think permetherin is a good option ( other trees have aphids so I think that could work for that too?) If so, do I just wait until late June to treat ( I think that's what I read) or should I apply it now and again later? Also, our other fruit trees are chewed at the base in a large ring (almost all of them)....I think it is from mice? Does that sound correct? And ideas on how to protect them from this happening again? I put little plastic protectors around the base of the trees which seemed to help, but any other ideas would be great. Thank you!
Boulder County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello!
Thank you for reaching out. Without seeing the tree itself to verify exactly what the cause is we are happy make some suggestions based on the information you have given us!
If it is peach tree borer you can use preventative sprays that are applied to the base of the tree. Traps can show you when adults are present which will show you when eggs are being laid. Please refer to Fact Sheet 5.566: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/peach-tree-borer-5-566/ for specifics. It is extremely important to read the label very carefully and follow the directions exactly as stated, using the appropriate protective equipment.
Aphids will be a separate issue and actually require a separate type of application. In addition to physical and cultural controls, chemical controls include horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and pyrethrins. Please note the section explaining the difference between the types of sprays, it is very important to read the labels carefully as many of the names are similar! Please refer to Fact Sheet 5.511 for specific information: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511/
For the girdling on the tree base....could be voles! Please take a look at Fact Sheet 6.507: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/managing-voles-in-colorado-6-507/
Since voles have many predators please pay special attention if using rodenticides, other methods detailed in the fact sheet should be used first where possible.
Thank you,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
Thank you for reaching out. Without seeing the tree itself to verify exactly what the cause is we are happy make some suggestions based on the information you have given us!
If it is peach tree borer you can use preventative sprays that are applied to the base of the tree. Traps can show you when adults are present which will show you when eggs are being laid. Please refer to Fact Sheet 5.566: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/peach-tree-borer-5-566/ for specifics. It is extremely important to read the label very carefully and follow the directions exactly as stated, using the appropriate protective equipment.
Aphids will be a separate issue and actually require a separate type of application. In addition to physical and cultural controls, chemical controls include horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps and pyrethrins. Please note the section explaining the difference between the types of sprays, it is very important to read the labels carefully as many of the names are similar! Please refer to Fact Sheet 5.511 for specific information: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/aphids-on-shade-trees-and-ornamentals-5-511/
For the girdling on the tree base....could be voles! Please take a look at Fact Sheet 6.507: https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/managing-voles-in-colorado-6-507/
Since voles have many predators please pay special attention if using rodenticides, other methods detailed in the fact sheet should be used first where possible.
Thank you,
Boulder County Master Gardeners
