PestMedium Severity

Dogwood Twig Borer

Oberea tripunctata

A longhorned beetle whose larvae cause severe twig dieback in dogwood trees. Adults are distinctive yellow beetles with three black spots on the thorax, and larvae bore through the center of twigs, often cutting off portions from within and creating characteristic round holes with frass exudation.

Peak Season: Adult emergence: Early summerEgg laying: Following twig girdling by adultsLarval activity: Throughout summer and fallPupation: Between frass plugs in galleriesDevelopment time: Usually one year to complete cycle
View Treatment OptionsRecommended Products
Dogwood twig borer showing characteristic boring damage and exit holes in dogwood twigs

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Severe twig dieback, often extensive
Center of branches hollow from larval feeding
Long series of round holes in bark with frass exuding
Parts of twigs cut off from within
Wilting and death of twig tips
Yellow, segmented larvae 1.5-2 inches long visible in galleries

Potential Damage

Extensive twig mortality affecting tree structure
Reduced crown density from progressive dieback
Weakening of branch structure from hollow centers
Aesthetic damage from dead hanging twigs
Potential for secondary infections through boring wounds
Economic losses in ornamental plantings

Lifecycle

Adults emerge in early summer and feed on twig tips. After girdling twigs, females deposit eggs inside the stems. Larvae feed down the center of twigs, creating exit holes for frass and cutting off twig portions from within. Development is usually completed within one year with pupation occurring between frass plugs.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Imicide applications targeting adult emergence periods in early summer

2

Systemic Imisol treatments for comprehensive protection

3

Prune and destroy infested twigs when larvae are detected

4

Address stress factors: drought, poor sites, nutritional deficiencies

5

Monitor for adult activity during early summer emergence

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against dogwood twig borer.

View Product Details

Imisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against dogwood twig borer.

View Product Details

Need Professional Diagnosis?

Our certified arborists can help you accurately identify tree problems and develop an effective treatment plan using Mauget's proven injection systems.

Schedule ConsultationUse Diagnostic Tool