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Peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa). Females are dark, steel blue moths with two wide orange bands around their abdomen; front wings are opaque while hind legs are clear. While males are also steel blue, they have three or four narrow-yellow bands around their abdomen and both pairs of wings are clear. Male moths are smaller and more slender than females. Mature larvae are 1 1⁄4 inches long and cream colored with a dark brown head. Larvae attack near the base of trunks and often burrow beneath the soil line. Frass often protrudes from bark wounds. Gummosis and ooze is typically clear with visible frass inside the gum. Severely infested trees show signs of decline, dieback, and reduced crop load. Young trees are most susceptible.

Peachtree borer adult female.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Peachtree borer adult male.

(Photo: Wendell Snow, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org)

Peachtree borer damage at base of trunk.

(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Monitor populations with pheromone traps.
• Apply insecticide sprays to trunks after peak flights.

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