The yellow-bellied sapsucker bird (Sphyrapicus varius) can cause damage to many species of trees by drilling one-quarter-inch holes through the bark of tree trunks and limbs in vertical and horizontal rows. These holes are often arranged so perfectly …
What is making all the nicely drilled holes on my wax myrtle trunks, and is it going to kill my trees?
No, the damage is being done by a yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius), related to the woodpecker. This federally protected bird searches shrubs and trees with thin bark and pecks rows of holes in a distinct pattern. Sapsuckers feed …