New Publication!
Sanchez, N. and D. Leavell. 2018. Homeowner Guide to Managing Bronze Birch Borer in the Upper Klamath Basin. Oregon State University Extension. March 2018. <21 September 2018>
The bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius, is an increasingly common pest where it occurs in Oregon. Damage to susceptible species of birch trees can be severe, often deadly.
The presence of the bronze birch borer in the Portland metro area was positively confirmed as of October 23, 2003. The population at the detection site was extensive, quite established and has killed trees in the Beaverton/Tigard area. This was in addition to a positive identification in Corvallis. This flatheaded beetle borer continues to increase its distribution in Western Oregon. It may be possible to slow the movement of this borer by good site selection and choice of more resistant birches, cultural habits, and proper management of existing infestations which may include chemical intervention or tree removal. If you know landscapers in the area, please let them be alert to this.
The following websites offer more information regarding its life cycle, damage, and management.
Sanchez, N. and D. Leavell. 2018. Homeowner Guide to Managing Bronze Birch Borer in the Upper Klamath Basin. Oregon State University Extension. March 2018. <20 June 2018>
University of Illinois Extension Bug Review: Bronze Birch Borer. This site is nice for having both English and Spanish language versions of their fact sheet.
University of Minnesota Extension: The Bronze Birch Borer and Its Management
This has a nice chart listing the resistance of birch trees susceptibility to bronze birch borer. <20 June 2018>
Purdue Ornamentals and Turf: Bronze birch borer
pdf downloads with link.<20 June 2018>
USDA - Forest Service Forest Insect and Disease Leaflet 11- Bronze Birch Borer A nicely presented leaflet with good diagrams of classification of borer damage stages in trees. Older pub, read disclaimer at end. <20 June 2018>
Orginal publication: 10/22/2008
Latest publication: 9/21/2018
Author: R.L. Rosetta, Extension Nursery Integrated Pest Management, Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University
Bronze birch borer galleries (bark removed)
Photo: Ken Gray
Stained bark and emergence hole indicating bronze borer infestation
Photo: Ken Gray
