Bark Beetles or Shot Hole Borers.

Small holes Peppered into the stems and bark of trees are typical sign of the shot hole borer. There are several types, of shot Hole Borer Beetle, and perhaps the most damage done to date, was by the Elm Bark Beetle which was responsible for spreading the deadly Dutch Elm Disease throughout Britain. it goes without saying, that any Shot Hole Borer, or Bark Beetle must be taken seriously.

If you find regular shaped small round holes in the bark of any shrub or tree, then any badly affected branch should be removed and burned. There is no available practical solution for this boring beetle.

The Larvae - grubs - of the Shot Hole borers live in the tunnels they create as they eat into the important cambium layer under the bark.

Encourage healthy tree growth and regularly remove any dead wood will do much to keep this pest controlled. Whilst the keeping of log piles in the garden is seen as an environmental plus, be aware that Shot Hole Beetles can use this wood for breeding purposes. When the adults emerge, they will attack nearby healthy trees.