6.30.14 Peach tree borer and other fruit tree varmints

June 30th, 2014. I needed to check on the Peach Tree Borer that I had identified a few days ago. Upon last visit I happened to be checking on each of my four trees when I saw a "text book" looking hole at the base of one of them. The peach tree literally spewed rusty-brown jelly. I thought that I had got the borer the day before, but much to my dismay, and eventually enjoyment (gottcha!), I realized that the bugger was still in the tree. I got a long nail and went to town on the hole.

Weeks back, I watched a YouTube video from a guy who seemed pretty knowledgeable about apple tree borers (as an aside, the video was slow, strange, cheesy, and yet mildly entertaining to see these people fawn over an old tree fluffer). One of the biggest take aways from watching the video was his method of tracking borers. So I went with his method and started following the little bastard through the bark until I literally lifted a chunk off the tree to reveal the maggot--all in his squirmy, nasty glory. I then killed him. He deserved it. A-Hole. I don't know what it is about some insects (japanese beetles included in this rant) but these creepies turn me, a complete pacifist and lover-not-a-hater, into a rabies victim.

These thoughts aside there were a few learning moments here:

 1- If there is a hole at the bottom of a peach or plum tree dig into it without reservation. Most likely the borer is still in there and you can't really do anymore damage to the tree that he hasn't already been done.

 2- Keep a watchful eye on your fruit trees as these guys can take over and destroy at any minute. It took me almost 6 months to track this. By the time I figured out that my tree had been attacked last summer (2013) it was too late to do anything, so I watched and waited.

3- Know when the cycle starts in your area. Here in NH, zone 5-6ish I noticed mine at the end of June. I'm sure that can all change each year depending on weather patterns but at least I have a signs and pattern to go forward with next year.

Any observations or questions that you have? I'd love to hear them. These are tricky, tricky creatures and I in no way claim to be a professional with this topic. Just a gardener tryin' to do her best in the the best way possible.