Locust tree damage - Ask Extension
We have an old locust tree in our yard. Every year we see dead branches, and this year is no exception, which we attribute at least partly to the earl...
Knowledgebase
Locust tree damage #648616
Asked June 09, 2020, 10:47 PM EDT
We have an old locust tree in our yard. Every year we see dead branches, and this year is no exception, which we attribute at least partly to the early freeze last fall and the late extreme cold this spring. I cut out some of the dead branches and upon peeling the bark discovered what looks like insect damage. I am attaching two photos, one of the tree damage and the other of one of the insects that fell out when I took off the bark. Do you know what insect this is, and is there a way to try to save the remainder of the tree?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
The insect is an earwig. They do not cause the damage seen in the photo of the branch with the bark removed. That damage is typical of other insects. The only major pest I can find is a locust borer, but their damages is tunnels in the branches, You might try cutting into the infected branch and see if you can find larvae in them. The only way to treat a large tree with insects inside is with a systemic insecticide. Any product with imacloprid as an active ingredient should be effective. Read and follow label directions.
