I tried using a branch from the backyard for my monstera to climb. I've noticed some sawdust-like accumulation on the leaves over the months but assumed it was just bark deterioration. Just today I noticed that the branch is speckled with tiny pin size holes. I assume it some type of boring insect but does anyone know what kind?
by Khoniris
11 Comments
Could be a woodpecker
The tiny size makes me think ambrosia beetles.
Get that branch out of the house. Whatever insect is causing it might go after anything else that is wood based in your home. I would check the trees in the backyard to see if you have an infestation.
Oh no, I did the same thing but doused it in alcohol after I dried it for a few weeks. (Mesquite tree I cut down). That is def not good and I would isolate the plant too. What type of tree is it? It looks like pine? But the holes look too small for pine beetles?
Its from your pen stop poking it and there wont be any holes
It’s from a douglas fir (I’m in OR). Ok, I haven’t noticed any insect activity on or around the plant other than the wood pulp, but I’ll get it the hell out of here to be safe…
Thanks
This kind of thing is why people recommend baking branches or other methods of killing off biologicals before you set them up in your home.
That is what we call poko grubs they like light woods and will kill your plant they usually will go after dead wood but will attack plants if no options
Shot Hole Borer?
You can stick the branch in the freezer for a couple of weeks to kill the beetles.
Ah jeez I recently did the same thing for my monstera staking. Did you do any treatment to it before using the branch? I cleaned mine with soap and alcohol then let it dry outside. Hopefully that was enough.