Creature in Crepe Myrtle Knothole: Likely Insect Larvae

Slug-Like Pests in a Knothole: Not Slugs, Probably Borers

The “slug-like creatures” eating in your 60-year-old crepe myrtle’s knothole are likely insect larvae, not slugs. Snail/slug baits won’t work.

Effective Treatment

• Systemic insecticide spray: Apply Merit, Onyx, or Orthene to the knothole area. These penetrate bark and wood, killing larvae inside.
• Fertilize for resilience: 10-10-10 at 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter, scattered and watered in (before rain). Repeat in spring. Healthy trees resist pests better.

Target the source; surface treatments won’t reach larvae deep in decayed wood.