Expert: Jim Hyland - 1/12/2005

Question
MY PLUM TREE HAS WORMS THAT HAVE CAUSED THE BARK TO CRACK AND SAP TO DRIP,I LIVE IN CHICAGO IL PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO GET RID OF THESE PESTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.    MATT

Answer
I think you may have an insect called the Peachtree borer. These are fairly easy to control with an Insecticide. Check with your local Garden type store for an insecticide for Borers and follow the directions on the bottle. Here is a web site that discribs Peachtree Borer.http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/bugreview/peachtreeborer.html
IF you are not still sure you can contact the IL State Forestry Agency (see address and phone # below) They should be able to assist.

James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph St., Suite 4-300
Chicago, IL 60601
312/814-2070