Just a guess, but roses get a similar thing...boring wasps will enter cut stems. On the woodier rose plants people sometimes use a drop of elmers glue to seal the pruning cut... the below link has a similar suggestion. One other site I found said that, if you know grubs are present, you can stick a little wire down into the hole to kill them. In any case, I wouldn't prune anything until it actually dies back, even if it has been bored into, just so the plant gets the benefit of that energy as long as possible, but I don't know if that's sound advice. Lara Here is a link that might be useful: Peony tips

Ok, must apologize first because I don't have a picture! But, I have a great description. This insect is nasty, we got it from some composted cow manure from Texas. They destroyed almost all of our potted tomatoes last year. I had hoped it wouldn't survive over the winter, but I've noticed them coming back again. They are these nasty small white larvae with a black "point" on them that attacks the roots. Then, they molt into these ugly looking tiny (about 1/16" ) ear wig looking things (they aren't earwigs, not the ones we have around here normally), the adults are half red and the front is black, and they can and do fly out of the dirt! They love moist soil, the only time I could sort of save a few of my plants was when I let the soil dry out in the pots. Their egg casings are a dull red. They are absolutely PUTRID and I want to get some Bt to spray on my plants to hopefully get rid of these satanic bugs before they decimate my tomatoes again. Thank you for any info!

From what I've read, some Thrip's are better than others, like some will eat Spider Mites. But ultimately you don't want them in your house. They are tough SOB's though, 100% Rubbing Alchohol didn't even kill them instantly. I've now added to my arsenal... They are attracted to the color Blue (they make Blue sticky traps), but I made my own w/ Blue painter's tape. I also read that you can put Vanilla extract on cotton balls, Thrip's are attracted to the scent, crawl inside, and cannot extricate themselves. After being quarantined to the bathroom (w/ or w/o light) for a week, it was treated and repotted, and continues to push new growth. I think I'll spray one more time tomorrow, and see how she goes.:-) Rob

Denise, take several good pictures of the problem and text or email them to the grower. The images need to be clear; no question about what the pest is. Tell the grower that you cannot accept an infested plant and that you would like your money back. If they want the tree back, it should be at their cost. You can be business like but you are the one who has received a bad plant. Trust me, any nursery who sends buggy plants to their customers is fully aware of it. Just take and send the pictures immediately, not days or weeks later.