There Are Beetles on My Elderberry

Identification

• All species of elderberry are susceptible to elder borers. The bluish-purple beetles with antennae and small heads have a yellow band across the front wings. The antennae are nearly half to two-thirds the total body length.

Damage

• Adult beetles create tunnels in the bases of stems and canes close to the ground and start to lay their eggs. This leads to the formation of galls and weakens the plant, often killing it entirely. The emerging larvae start to infest and feed within the roots. The larvae mature in about two years and then start to bore upwards within the stems. The adult beetles appear from the stems in spring and feed on plant leaves.

Management

• In cases of heavy infestation, it is best to remove the plant entirely. Remove all roots from the area and destroy. Keeping your plants in good health will help increase resistance against infestation. Grow elderberries in a moist soil as they are found along moist ditches and swamps in their native habitat.