Crops Affected: Lilac, Ash

States Affected: TX, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, PA, NY, WV, MD, VA, KY, TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, LA, MS, AL

Life Cycle: The female, which mimics a paper wasp in appearance, lays eggs in cracks on the host plant's bark. Larvae release sawdust and frass as they grow and overwinter. They become active in spring, pupate, and adult flyers emerge as early as June. Signs of infestation include oval-round exit holes, rough areas on trunks, and sawdust expulsion. Eggs hatch in 9-13 days. This species has one generation per year.

Damage: Ash or lilac borers cause multiple holes in the bark and wood, leading to swollen areas, cracked bark, sap leakage, sawdust, and weakened branches. Larval feeding mainly occurs in the lower trunk and may extend up to 3 meters. Terminal shoots may wilt in dry periods during the summer, and severely affected trees can die. Healthy, well-maintained trees are less prone to significant damage.

Season to Trap: June through September

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Protect new trees by guarding against borers, using appropriate watering, mulching, and fertilizing methods. Care for older trees to minimize stress and prevent trunk and branch injuries. Apply insecticides like permethrin and bifenthrin to the bark to preemptively eliminate larvae before they enter the tree, when monitoring flights indicates eggs may be hatching.