How to Get Rid of Borers on Peony Plant

Peonies are beautiful flowering plants that add a touch of elegance and color to any garden. However, these plants can sometimes fall victim to borers, which are destructive pests that can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated. In this article, we will discuss what borers are, how to identify them on your peony plant, and most importantly, how to get rid of them using organic and chemical methods.

Understanding Borers

Borers are the larvae of various types of insects, including moths and beetles. These larvae tunnel into the stems and roots of plants, causing significant damage by feeding on the plant’s tissue. When it comes to peonies, the most common borer species are the peony borer (Papaipema or Aegeria species) and the iris borer (Macronoctua onusta).

Identifying Borers on Peony Plant

It is crucial to identify borers in their early stages to prevent severe damage to your peony plant. Here are some signs to look out for:

1. Wilting and Stunted Growth: If your peony plant is not growing as it should or shows signs of wilting despite adequate care, it might be infested with borers.
2. Holes and Girdling: Look for small holes or entry points on the stems of your peony plant. Borers often create entry holes and then tunnel inside, causing girdling—damaging the plant’s vascular system.
3. Sawdust-like Frass: Borers leave behind a sawdust-like substance called frass. Look for frass near the entry holes or at the base of the plant.
4. Discolored or Oozing Stems: Infested stems may show signs of discoloration or oozing sap due to the damage caused by borers.

Organic Methods to Get Rid of Borers

If you prefer organic alternatives, there are several methods you can try to eradicate borers from your peony plant:

1. Pruning and Destroying Infested Parts: Start by pruning the infested stems of your peony plant, making sure to cut well below the visible signs of borer damage. Destroy the pruned stems by burning or bagging them and disposing of them in sealed containers.
2. Beneficial Insects: Encourage beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps and nematodes, to your garden. These natural predators feed on borer larvae and can help control their population.
3. Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps around your peony plant to catch adult borers before they lay eggs. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that captures insects upon contact.
4. Neem Oil: Neem oil is an organic insecticide derived from the neem tree. Dilute neem oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it on the affected parts of your peony plant. Neem oil disrupts the life cycle of borers and acts as a repellent for adult insects.

Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Borers

If the infestation is severe or if organic methods fail to eliminate the borers, you may need to resort to chemical treatments. Here are some options:

1. Insecticides: Use insecticides specifically formulated for borer control, such as carbaryl or permethrin-based products. Follow the instructions carefully and apply the insecticide to the affected parts of your peony plant.
2. Systemic Insecticides: Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant’s tissues and transported throughout its system, making them effective against hidden borers. However, be cautious when using systemic insecticides, as they can also harm beneficial insects.
3. Soil Drench: Mix a systemic insecticide with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and drench the soil around the base of your peony plant. This method ensures that the insecticide reaches the roots, where borers often reside.

Preventing Future Infestations

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to borer infestations. Here are some preventive measures you can take to protect your peony plants:

1. Proper Planting: Plant your peonies in well-draining soil and ensure they receive adequate sunlight. Healthy plants are less susceptible to borer attacks.
2. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your peony plants for any signs of borer damage. Early detection allows for prompt action and prevents the infestation from spreading.
3. Good Garden Hygiene: Keep your garden clean by removing plant debris and fallen leaves regularly. Borers often overwinter in plant debris, so removing it reduces their chances of survival.
4. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your peony plants to deter adult borers from laying eggs on the stems.

By implementing these preventive measures and using effective treatment methods, you can keep your peony plants healthy and free from borers.

In conclusion, borers can pose a significant threat to the health and beauty of your peony plants. However, with proper identification and a combination of organic and chemical control methods, you can effectively eliminate these pests and prevent future infestations. Remember to always follow the instructions provided by product manufacturers and consult with professionals if needed. With diligence and care, you can enjoy vibrant and pest-free peony blooms for years to come.