Cherry bark tortrix

Cherry bark tortrix larvae bore into the bark and branches of hawthorn, cherry, and crabapple trees, causing reddish-brown gummy exudate mixed with frass and silk at the entry point. Look for cracked or loose bark on trunks and larger limbs, especially near pruning wounds, graft unions, and branch crotches. Damage appears from spring through fall as larvae feed in the cambium. You may see small orange-colored frass tubes at cracks in the bark, which are diagnostic.

Prune out and destroy infested branches and twigs before mid-spring when larvae are active. Keep trees healthy through proper watering and avoid unnecessary wounding; trees stressed by drought or poor growing conditions are more attractive to the moth. Monitor weekly for gumming damage. Insecticide treatment is rarely needed in home settings; most populations remain light enough to manage through cultural practices and pruning alone.