How to Manage Pests
Pests in Gardens and Landscapes
Shothole borer—Scolytus rugulosus
The shothole borer is a pest of many deciduous fruit and nut trees, including stone fruits, apples, pears,
and almonds. Adult borers are tiny bullet-shaped, reddish black beetles about 0.10-inch long.
Identification of species | Life cycle
Borers tunnel into the bark and wood of fruit trees, weakening and damaging trunks and branches. Most
problems occur in newly planted trees or in trees weakened by disease or poor cultural practices. Shothole
borers leave many tiny holes in the bark, often with clear sap oozing from them.
Keep trees healthy and vigorous. Protect young trees from
sunburn with whitewashing. Remove and destroy
infested wood immediately. Insecticide treatments are not recommended. Severely infested trees should
For more information, see the Bark Beetles Pest Note.
Shothole borer adult
Holes in bark caused by shothole borer