Polyphagous shot hole borer has been damaging trees across Los Angeles County for years, and summer is when infestations tend to become visible as affected trees show clear signs of stress.
Look for small, pinhole-sized entry holes in the bark, sometimes surrounded by staining or gumming, along with branch dieback in the upper canopy. Box elder, avocado, and several oak species are among the most commonly affected trees in the LA area.
There's no simple spray-and-done fix for this pest. Management depends on how far the infestation has spread and which species is affected, which is why an accurate identification matters before deciding on next steps.
If you've noticed dieback or unusual bark damage on a tree this summer, it's worth having it checked before the infestation spreads further into the canopy.
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Authentic job photo preferred: a close-up of bark entry holes or staining, or a crew member examining an affected tree on an LA property. Real diagnostic photos are more useful and credible than stock pest images.
Canva text suggestion: "Shot Hole Borer Activity Rising This Summer" or "Know the Signs Before the Infestation Spreads"