Shot Hole Borers

Scolytinae and related small wood borers producing shot holes

Shot Hole Borers is a damage-syndrome and multi-species umbrella associated with trunks, branches, nursery trees, woody ornamentals, and logs. Dense attacks can cause branch flagging, wilt, sap leakage, stained wood, and structural weakness. Act before internal protection develops.

Identification

Numerous small round holes may be produced by ambrosia beetles, bark beetles, or other borers. Gallery position, boring dust, staining, host, and adult specimens are required for diagnosis. Collect adults from active holes, inspect galleries beneath bark and in sapwood, and note whether fungal staining or pitch is present.

Symptoms / Signs

Dense attacks can cause branch flagging, wilt, sap leakage, stained wood, and structural weakness. Old holes may outlast activity.

Life Cycle / Process

Shot Hole Borers undergoes complete metamorphosis. Egg placement follows the occupied site on trunks, branches, nursery trees, woody ornamentals, and logs.

Prevention

Maintain vigor, prevent injury, and remove active reservoirs. Priority reservoir for this record: trunks, branches, nursery trees, woody ornamentals, and logs.

Management / Control

Remove heavily attacked wood, reduce stress and fresh-log reservoirs, and seek regulated-pest guidance when invasive shot-hole borers are possible.

Procedure Steps

1. Map the freshest holes, frass, wilt, flagging, sap, or branch decline. 2. Collect the larva, pupa, or adult with the damaged tissue. 3. Close the Shot Hole Borers incident only after new internal injury stops.

Safety Notes

Protect food, seed, packaging, workers, and Myco-Patrons during inspection and treatment. Use tamper-resistant placements where baits or traps are necessary, and keep pesticides off food-contact surfaces. Structural or termite work may require a licensed Florida pest-control operator.