Clearwing Borers

What it looks like

Look for sawdust-like material and oozing sap at small holes in the bark, along with dead or dying branches. The adults are moths that look like wasps and can be seen flying around trunks during the season. Damage tends to cluster around pruning cuts, mower or trimmer nicks, and graft unions.

Often mistaken for: Adult moths are often mistaken for wasps

When it shows up in the Triangle

Adult moths fly and lay eggs from spring through summer, with exact timing varying by type; the plant is most at risk right as eggs hatch and young larvae start boring in.

Where you’ll see it

Affects dogwood, rhododendron and azalea, and lilac, usually entering through wounds on the trunk.

What you can do

• Keep string trimmers and mowers away from trunks—this is the #1 entry point
• Use a mulch ring around the base instead of trimming grass right up to the trunk
• Avoid pruning during the adult flight season if you can
• Pheromone traps can help pinpoint when the moths are active, which helps time any treatment