We’ve noticed some serious damage on our pear trees, and we’re trying to figure out what’s causing it. Any ideas?
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
That sounds about right. The damage looks similar to what’s happening to our trees. Thanks for the help!
@Terry
Yeah, I agree. Make sure to move and burn the affected branches so it doesn’t spread.
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
I was gonna suggest flying beavers… but after looking up the beetle, I think I’ll call them aerial beavers now. Their damage looks about the same!
@Hollis
Haha, now I’m imagining beavers with wings chomping on branches! 
Storm said:
@Hollis
Haha, now I’m imagining beavers with wings chomping on branches!
I picture them like flying squirrels, gliding from tree to tree, chewing as they go.
@Flynn
I was thinking it was chipmunks causing the damage!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
Alright, I gotta click the link now… hold my drink!
@Lian
Wow! That’s the coolest thing I’ve read in a while!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
I’ve lived in the PA/VA area my whole life and I’ve never seen anything like this! That’s crazy!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
These beetles are wild! I had no idea they even existed!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
They sure picked the right name for these guys!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
Yeah, these beetles were chewing up my pecan trees in Texas not too long ago.
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
I’m honestly shocked an insect can cut through branches that thick with such precision!
Kim said:
It might be the twig girdler beetle. You can check out more about it here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/twig-girdlers-and-twig-pruners-trees
I had no idea these bugs existed! It’s insane they just cut branches to get more dead wood to use. It makes sense, but still… wow.
Tiny beavers, maybe?
Fox said:
Tiny beavers, maybe?
Honestly, that’s probably the best guess so far!
Fox said:
Tiny beavers, maybe?
Yep, tiny flying beavers! We’re doomed.
You’re both right! Clearly the work of the infamous flying mouse beaver. Pretty obvious if you ask me.
Fox said:
Tiny beavers, maybe?
About the size of a House Hippo, I bet.