Autumn Blaze Maple Borer Damage: Earwigs Secondary, Merit Treatment and Fertilization

Earwigs Are Not the Primary Pest

Earwigs in borer holes are scavengers on fungus. The borer beetle caused the hollow bark and inner wood damage.

Treatment Protocol

1. Spray Merit (imidacloprid) or Onyx on trunk and wound.
2. Soil drench alternative: Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control.
3. Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter, before rain.
4. No wound filler—slows healing.

Fertilizer Adjustment

Since you use Bayer soil drench annually, skip fertilizer spikes (can burn roots). Switch to broadcast 10-10-10 next spring.