10/14/2026
You never know what you’ll find inside a tree!
While removing a severely declining Manitoba maple recently, we discovered these large, wasp-like insects living in a decaying section of the main trunk.
Meet the Pigeon Horntail (Tremex columba)!
Despite their intimidating appearance, these insects can’t sting people. They’re wood-boring insects that typically move into trees that are already stressed, dying, or decaying.
As we cut through the trunk, we uncovered numerous tunnels, round exit holes, and possible larvae hidden inside the wood.
Here’s the interesting part: These insects likely didn’t cause the tree’s decline. They’re a symptom of an existing problem.
Pigeon horntails are associated with wood-decay fungi, and their activity can contribute to further deterioration of already compromised wood.
This Manitoba maple was still alive, but portions of its main trunk were deteriorating significantly.
It’s a good reminder that just because a tree is still growing leaves doesn’t necessarily mean it’s structurally sound.
Every tree has a story. Sometimes you have to look inside to discover it.
🌳 Timberline Arborists
📍 Lethbridge & Southern Alberta
🌐 timberlinearborists.com
TreeHealth ManitobaMaple WoodBoringInsects PigeonHorntail TreeRemoval Arboriculture TreeScience
