DESCRIPTION:
When mature they resemble a three to six inch long roach but they have long antennae and a "collar" of spines on the thorax. The adults lay eggs in the soil which hatch and live underground as grubs for up to three years. Adult beetles are active in the summer time, usually in the early evening.
DAMAGE:
Grubs feed on the roots of Mexican Palo Verde and other nonnative trees and shrubs. Look for branch dieback and for quarter size "exit"holes in the soil around the root zone.
MANAGEMENT:
Currently there is little that can be done to control these beetles. They attack stressed trees, so the best prevention is to keep trees as healthy as possible. Turn off outside lights to avoid attracting the adults. Placing pesticides in the exit holes does little good as the beetle is already gone. A better strategy is to focus on improving the health of the tree to help it outgrow the damage by providing adequate water and fertilizer.
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Image of Palo Verde Borer Grub
by Lucy K. Bradley
Image of Palo Verde Borer Beetle
by Robert J. Bradley
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