How to Control Peach Tree Borers

The peach tree borer has a short, year-long lifespan. In the larva stage, these insects cause the most damage to fruit trees. People have trouble removing them because they reside inside the trunk. Certain pest control methods can help with a borer infestation. It's best to utilize preventive maintenance when dealing with peach tree borers because, if left alone, they will eventually cause severe harm or even death to your fruit tree.

Things You'll Need

• Insecticide sprays
• Insecticide traps
• PDB
• Soil

Instructions

Insecticides

1. Spray during the first or second week during July and again in August if you have a heavy infestation.

2. Try out an insecticide trap that contains pheromones which will catch the adults.

3. Use a spray that contains either permethrin or esfenvalerate. Insecticides which contain these active ingredients include Pounce, Ambush and Asana.

Mothballs

1. Put paradichlorobenzene (mothballs) around the tree to help control a peach tree borer problem. The mothballs release a gas that kills the insects.

2. Apply in late spring or in August. Mothballs work best in temperatures over 60 degrees F.

3. Put 5 to 10 inches of soil over the crystals. Pack the mound until it is smooth. Place 1/4 of an ounce on a 1-year-old tree, 1/2 an ounce on a 2-year-old tree, 3/4 of an ounce on a tree that's 3 to 4 years old and 1 to 2 ounces on a mature tree.

Tips & Warnings

• Try using carbaryl which is also called Sevin. Use this if Pounce, Ambush or Asana are hard to find.

References

• Colorado State University
• Home Orchard Pest Management Guide