Question
Tree 1
Hi Jim, I've read several of your comments regarding holes in Bradford Pear Trees. We have a bed and breakfast (http://www.bbonline.com/al/thesecret) hand have lined our drive with BPTs. We are concerned that a borer is infesting our trees. Will you please look at the pictures and tell us if you think it is a borer or a woodpecker? Thank you. Carl
AnswerThis is damage from a woodpecker called a sap sucker. They make the holes in the bark to attract insects--then return to eat the insects trapped in the sap in the holes. If you out a product called tanglefoot on the tree trunks that have the hole this will discourage the woodpecker. Here is a web link for information on tanglefoot. http://www.tanglefoot.com/products/birdrepel.htm
OR If you see fresh signs in the spring you could also spray the areas with an insecticide this would kill any insects that come and also discourage the woodpecker since there would be not insects for them to eat. Any insecticide for ants will do the trick.,
