Where do borers typically cause the most damage?

Borers are insects that specifically target the inner tissues of plants, causing significant damage primarily in areas just beneath the bark. This is where they create tunnels as they feed and grow, which disrupts the vascular system of the plant, affecting its ability to transport water and nutrients. The damage can lead to reduced vitality, dieback, and in severe cases, the death of the plant.

While other areas such as the soil, leaves, and flowers may be targeted by different pests and diseases, they do not reflect the specific behavior of borers. Soil can harbor various issues but is not where borers actively cause damage. Leaves and flowers are more typically affected by pests that feed on plant foliage or reproductive structures, rather than those that tunnel into woody tissue. Therefore, identifying that borers inflict the most harm in living cells just under the bark highlights the unique feeding and damage patterns of these pests.