Texas landscapes are filled with beautiful native and ornamental trees that add value, shade, and beauty to your property. But hidden beneath the bark, boring insects may be silently attacking your trees from the inside out. Left untreated, these pests can severely damage—and even kill—mature trees. At Jones Road Tree Service, we specialize in identifying early signs of infestation and applying targeted treatments to protect your trees using the most advanced tools in the industry, including Rainbow Ecoscience Quantum.
What Are Boring Insects and Why Are They a Problem in Texas?
Boring insects are a category of pests that tunnel through the bark and into the wood of trees. Their larvae live and feed inside the tree, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water through the vascular system. Over time, this internal damage leads to visible decline, structural weakness, and eventually, death.
In Texas, common boring insects include:
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
- A devastating pest spreading across East and Central Texas
- Targets ash trees exclusively
- Causes rapid decline and near-total mortality if untreated
Pine Bark Beetles (Ips and Southern Pine Beetles)
- Found in Houston and surrounding areas
- Attack stressed or storm-damaged pine trees
- Can rapidly spread in pine stands
Red Oak Borers
- Common in native Texas oaks
- Thrive in hot, dry conditions
- Often affect weakened trees but can attack healthy ones in drought
Ambrosia Beetles
- Target stressed or newly planted trees
- Known for introducing fungal pathogens that worsen tree decline
Flatheaded Borers
- Common after pruning wounds or sunscald
- Prefer hardwoods like oaks, pecans, and elms
Texas heat and drought conditions make trees more susceptible to these pests. That’s why prevention and early treatment are critical.
Early Warning Signs of Infestation
Catching a boring insect problem early gives your tree the best chance at recovery. While these insects often work under the surface, there are several signs homeowners can watch for:
Small Exit Holes
- Round or oval holes on the trunk or branches
- A sign that adult insects have emerged from the tree
Frass (Wood Dust)
- A sawdust-like material at the base of the tree or in bark crevices
- Indicates active feeding inside the wood
Crown Thinning or Yellowing Leaves
- A noticeable loss of foliage or faded leaf color, especially near the top of the tree
Dead Branches
- Limb dieback progressing from the canopy downward
Loose Bark or Cracks
- As borers tunnel beneath the bark, the surface may crack, peel, or feel soft in spots
Increased Woodpecker Activity
- Woodpeckers feed on larvae inside the tree—frequent pecking is a red flag
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Delaying treatment often means a more expensive problem later—or complete tree loss.
Why Early Treatment Matters in Texas Landscapes
Texas’s extreme weather—from hurricane winds to extended drought—already stresses trees. When boring insects are added to the mix, your tree’s health can decline rapidly.
Once a tree is heavily infested, it’s not always salvageable. That’s why preventative care or early intervention is far more effective than waiting until damage is advanced.
Additionally, many of these pests spread easily to neighboring trees. Treating one tree could help protect the others in your yard—or even in your neighborhood.
Our Solution: Tree Injections with Rainbow Ecoscience Quantum
At Jones Road Tree Service, we don’t just treat the symptoms—we go to the source. We use tree injection systems that deliver insecticides directly into the vascular system of the tree. Our go-to solution for boring insect infestations is Rainbow Ecoscience Quantum, a proven systemic insecticide designed for long-term protection.
Why We Use It:
- Targeted Treatment – Unlike sprays, Quantum moves inside the tree, targeting insects where they live
- Long-Term Protection – One injection can offer months to over a year of protection
- Minimal Environmental Impact – Doesn’t harm surrounding soil, beneficial insects, or animals
- Scientifically Backed – Developed specifically for arborists to manage pests like EAB, bark beetles, and more
We inject Quantum into the root flare of the tree, allowing it to move upward with the natural flow of water and nutrients. The result is a protected tree from the inside out—no harsh sprays or repeated surface applications needed.
When Is the Best Time to Treat Trees in Texas?
Timing is everything when dealing with boring insects. Treatments are most effective when applied:
- In early spring, before insects become active
- At the first sign of stress or boring holes
- After major storms or droughts, which weaken tree defenses
In Texas, where warm weather can extend pest activity longer than in other states, early spring and early fall are ideal treatment windows.
Which Trees Benefit Most from Treatment?
Our injection treatments are best suited for:
- Ash Trees – Especially in areas where Emerald Ash Borer is spreading
- Pines – High-value or mature pines vulnerable to bark beetles
- Oaks – Particularly red oaks showing early stress
- Pecans & Elms – Often targeted by flatheaded borers
- Recently transplanted trees – More prone to ambrosia beetle attacks
Even healthy trees may benefit from preventative treatment if they’re at high risk.
What If the Tree Can’t Be Saved?
In cases where the infestation is advanced and treatment won’t be effective, our team will recommend a safe removal plan to prevent the spread of pests to nearby trees.
We’ll assess:
- Structural safety
- Risk of spreading to other trees
- Potential for limb failure during storms
- Cost-benefit of treatment vs. removal
Our certified arborist provides honest guidance so you can make the best decision for your property.
Why Choose Jones Road Tree Service
Serving Houston, Cypress, Tomball, Spring, and the surrounding areas, we’ve built a reputation for honest, expert tree care. Our team includes an ISA Certified Arborist trained to diagnose pest issues, assess tree health, and recommend the best solutions for long-term care.
When it comes to boring insects, we offer:
- On-site evaluations
- Tree injection with professional-grade equipment
- Preventative care plans
- Tree removal and replacement if needed
- Local knowledge of Texas tree species and pests
We treat your trees like part of the family—because we know how valuable they are to your home and landscape.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Boring insects are a serious threat to Texas trees, but with the right tools and timing, your trees can be protected. Rainbow Ecoscience Quantum gives us the power to fight back—from the inside out.
If you’ve noticed signs of boring insects or just want peace of mind about your tree health, schedule a visit with our team. The sooner we act, the better your tree’s chances of survival. Contact us to schedule your tree health assessment.
