African Sumac Girdling: Not Bark Beetles, Likely Sapsuckers

An African sumac in Tucson shows a girdled limb with tiny holes. Conifer bark beetles don't attack sumac. Likely sapsucker woodpeckers: they drill holes for sap, eat insects attracted to it. Spray trunk with Merit (imidacloprid) to kill insects; birds leave. No serious tree harm unless girdling is complete.

Action

• Apply systemic insecticide to affected area.
• Monitor for complete girdling.
• Birds deterred when insects gone.