W.J. Rayment / -- The Raspberry Cane Borer, known by its Latin name as Oberea bimaculata Olivier, actually girdles the raspberry cane. It cuts into the trunk of the cane near the top where new growth is sprouting. It makes two girdles, each about an inch apart. The Insect lays its eggs in the cane between these two girdles. Another telltale sign is that the girdling strangles the top part of the plant and it quickly withers.
When the larvae hatches, it bores its way down th stem and wreaks havoc on the entire plant. For homeowners, the best way to deal with the situation is to remove the girdled portion before the larvae has the opportunity to bore. Be sure to destroy the removed canes completely to control the infestation.
