Dogwood Borer Damage
The larva of a clearwing moth that resembles a wasp. The female moth lays eggs on the bark. The borers can become established only if they locate a wound or opening in the bark. Inside the tree, they feed on the cambium, which can cause branches or the entire tree to die. Leaves of
dogwoods infested with the dogwood borer will often turn red and drop early. Bark sloughs off around holes on the trunk or branches. In late summer, a brown sawdust-like frass (insect waste) may be seen near or below the holes. Infested young trees can be killed in one to two seasons. Large, established trees that are infested often lack vigor and have rough, knotty areas on the trunk and large branches.. Bark spray treatments, soil drenches and trunk injections may help