Don’t Let These Tiny Terrors Turn Your Trees Into Swiss Cheese!
It’s mid-summer. The sun is shining, the sprinklers are humming, and your trees should be thriving. But wait—why does that maple look... sad? Droopy leaves? Weird holes in the bark? Uh-oh. You might have uninvited guests—and we’re not talking about your neighbor’s dog, Max.
What Are Tree-Boring Pests?
No, they are not bugs that sleep, or bore you to death. In fact they keep you on your toes more than anything! Tree-boring pests are sneaky and destructive insects that can cause serious harm to your trees. They lay their eggs on or inside the tree, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the bark and wood. As they feed, they disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients—weakening it from the inside out. The real danger? These pests often go unnoticed until the tree starts showing signs of stress, and by then, the damage may already be severe.
Common Culprits to Watch For:
Emerald Ash borer (EAB)
Why it’s a problem: The larvae feed under the bark, cutting off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
Signs to look for: D-shaped exit holes, canopy thinning, bark splitting, and increased woodpecker activity.
Local impact: EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees across Michigan and continues to spread.
Bronze birch borer
What it is: A native beetle that targets birch trees, especially those under stress from drought or poor soil.Why it’s a problem: Larvae tunnel into the trunk and branches, causing dieback from the top down.
Signs to look for: Yellowing leaves, dead upper branches, and ridges under the bark.
Local note: River birch and paper birch are especially vulnerable in Michigan landscapes
Two-Lined Chestnut Borer
What it is: A beetle that primarily attacks oak trees, particularly those weakened by environmental stress.Why it’s a problem: It feeds on the inner bark, disrupting nutrient flow and causing canopy dieback.
Signs to look for: Sparse foliage, dead branches in the upper canopy, and dark sunken areas on the bark.
Local impact: Common in Southeast Michigan’s oak forests and residential areas.
Flatheaded Appletree Borer
What it is: A broad group of beetles that attack stressed or newly planted trees, including maples, dogwoods, and fruit trees.Why it’s a problem: Larvae bore into trunks and branches, weakening the tree’s structure.
Signs to look for: Sunken, discolored bark, oozing sap, and dieback in limbs.
Local note: Frequently seen in urban and suburban landscapes where trees are under stress.
Scale Insects
What it is: Tiny, sap-sucking pests that attach to bark, leaves, or branches and weaken trees over time.Why it’s a problem: They weaken trees over time and produce sticky honeydew, which can lead to black sooty mold.
Signs to look for: Sticky residue, black mold, and clusters of small, shell-like bumps on bark.
Local note: Common on ornamental trees and shrubs throughout Southeast Michigan.
Other Emerging Threats in Southeast Michigan
Box Tree Moth (Cydalima Perspectalis)
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What it is: An invasive moth species native to East Asia, now spreading rapidly across Southeast Michigan.
Why it’s a problem: The caterpillars feed aggressively on boxwood shrubs, quickly stripping them of their leaves. Without foliage, the plant can’t photosynthesize properly, which weakens it and can lead to death and potentially killing entire plants in just days.
Signs to look for:
- Green and yellow caterpillars with black spots and stripes
- Webbing between leaves
- Skeletonized or browning leaves
- White moths with brown borders and comma-shaped marks on their wings
While the Box Tree Moth isn’t technically a tree-boring pest, it’s still a growing concern for homeowners in Southeast Michigan—especially those with boxwood shrubs in their landscapes. This invasive species has been spreading rapidly across the region, and its caterpillars can defoliate entire shrubs in a matter of days. We’re including it in this blog because it represents the kind of serious, fast-moving threat that—like tree borers—can cause significant damage before you even realize there’s a problem. Staying informed about emerging pests like this one is key to protecting your landscape.
Here’s the distinction:
Tree-boring pests (like Emerald Ash Borer or Bronze Birch Borer) tunnel into the bark and wood of trees, damaging internal structures and disrupting water and nutrient flow.Defoliators, like the Box Tree Moth, feed on the leaves of plants. In this case, the caterpillars of the Box Tree Moth strip boxwood shrubs of their foliage, and in severe infestations, they may even chew on the bark—but they do not bore into the wood.
How Safari Tree Can Help!
(And Why You Shouldn’t DIY This)
Once borers are inside the tree, sprays won’t reach them. That’s where tree injections come in—our secret weapon.
Our Services:
Pest Inspections – We start with a thorough inspection to identify any current pest problems or signs of damage. This is your tree’s first line of defense—spotting issues early so we can act fast.
Targeted Injections – If pests are found, we treat them directly at the source. Our specialized injections go directly into the tree’s vascular system. This method delivers fast, targeted protection by treating pests from inside the tree—while keeping the surrounding environment safe and undisturbed.
Ongoing Monitoring – Pest problems can pop up at any time—especially with changing weather. That’s why we don’t just treat your trees once and leave. We provide regular seasonal checkups to keep an eye on your tree’s health, catch new issues early, and make sure your landscape stays protected all year long.
Why Timing Matters?
Mid-summer is prime time for pest activity. Waiting until fall could mean irreversible damage. The sooner we catch it, the better your trees' chances of recovery.
Don't Let Bugs Win This Summer
Your trees are a big investment—don’t let a few bugs take them down. Schedule a free pest inspection with Safari Tree today and give your trees the protection they deserve.
Book Your Inspection Now
