How to Treat Shot Hole Borer Beetle from your Garden

The shot-hole borer beetle (SHB) is a destructive garden pest that infests and kills a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Although there are many different methods of treating shot-hole borer, the most effective approach is to use a combination of cultural, chemical, and biological controls. This fact sheet will provide an overview of these control options so that you can choose the best method for your particular situation.

As a gardener, you're likely to face shot hole borer beetle problems at some point. This article provides some ways to treat them and keep them away from your garden.

• Destroy infested trees and branches. If you have a tree that is severely infected with this disease, you may need to destroy the entire tree. Cut it down and burn it or chip it up and dispose of it properly.

• Remove weeds surrounding your trees. They love to lay eggs in weeds, so remove any weeds near your trees to help reduce the population of beetles.

• Prune off damaged branches. Prune off any branches that are damaged or infected with this pest. This will help reduce the population of beetles and the damage they can do to your trees.

• Use a pesticide. There are several different types of pesticides that can be used to treat infestations. Talk to your local nursery or garden center about the best type of pesticide to use for your situation.

• Water your trees properly. Make sure you are watering your trees properly, especially if they are newly planted. Overwatering can actually make shot hole borer beetle problems worse, so make sure to water only when needed.

• Apply a sealant to damaged areas. After you've treated the tree for shot hole borer beetles, apply a sealant to any damaged areas to help protect the tree from further damage.

• Monitor your trees closely. Watch your trees for any signs of shot hole borer beetle damage and treat it as soon as possible. The earlier you catch an infestation, the easier it is to treat.

• Plant resistant trees. There are some types of trees that are more resistant to infestations than others. Talk to your local nursery or garden center about the best types of trees to plant in your area.

If you have seen any of these signs in your garden, it is important to take action immediately. Contact a professional arborist or tree service to treat the shot hole borer beetle and stop the infestation before it causes too much damage. Early detection and treatment are key to saving your trees from this destructive pest. Have you had experience with the shot hole borer beetle? Tell us about it in the comments below.