How do larvae of dogwood borer enter trees?

How do larvae of dogwood borer enter trees?

• A. Through bark wounds, cracks, or cankers
• B. Through the roots
• C. Through the leaves
• D. Through the fruit

Answer: (A)

Larvae of the dogwood borer are wood-borers that need an opening in the bark to get inside the tree. They enter through bark wounds, cracks, or cankers where the protective outer layer is damaged, allowing them to access the inner tissues. Once inside, they bore in the cambium and sapwood, which is why you see signs like frass and tunneling. They do not use roots, leaves, or fruit as entry points, so those routes aren’t how they inflict damage.

Larvae of the dogwood borer are wood-borers that need an opening in the bark to get inside the tree. They enter through bark wounds, cracks, or cankers where the protective outer layer is damaged, allowing them to access the inner tissues. Once inside, they bore in the cambium and sapwood, which is why you see signs like frass and tunneling. They do not use roots, leaves, or fruit as entry points, so those routes aren’t how they inflict damage.