Palo Verde root borers are a type of beetle in the Longhorn family. They’re dark brown to black in color and are between three to four inches long on average. While these beetles aren’t harmful to people or pets, they can be harmful to your trees. In fact, by the time you see the beetle itself, the bug’s life is almost over and it’s already chewed on your tree’s roots.
The problem with grubs
The female Palo Verde root borer will lay its eggs in the soil near the roots of trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae bore into the roots of the tree. For two to three years, the grubs eat the tree roots. This can be destructive for Hardwood trees, in particular, which can take upwards of 20 years or more to reach maturity.
Palo Verde root borer grubs are a big cause of tree root damage in the Salt River Valley. They can be difficult to detect because the adults quickly mate, create new baby bugs in the soil of trees, and then die. Your trees may suffer from years of root damage before you’re even aware of the problem.
Preventing grubs and beetles
Palo Verde root borer beetles are typically seen in monsoon season. Arizona’s monsoon season begins in June and continues through September. Monsoon season brings higher humidity, which can lead to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Excess humidity provides beetles with the moisture they need to survive.
The only way to get rid of Palo Verde root borer beetles and their grubs is to physically kill them. Preventing them from making their home in your trees is crucial. But how do you prevent root borer beetles?
The best way to keep Palo Verde root borer beetles and their grubs at bay is to keep your trees as healthy as possible. Water your trees regularly, keep them fed with vitamin-rich soil, and have them pruned professionally by local tree care services.
Eradicate bugs with tree care services
When you’re dealing with grubs, beetles, and other bugs that are harming your trees, your first instinct might be to contact an exterminator for the bugs and tree care services for your trees. But you can actually save yourself time and money by working with a citrus tree care service that specializes in tree diseases and eradicating bugs.
Trees for Needs is a tree care service in Phoenix that can help get rid of your bugs and treat your trees. For more information on our services in citrus tree care and maintenance or bug eradication, contact Trees for Needs today.
