My beloved loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is under terrible attack by sapsuckers. The main trunks are almost completely girdled. I've never experienced such damage. I have wrapped the trunks in heavy paper commercial tree wrap and the suckers drilled and tore right through it. I coated the trunk with wax - they drilled through that, too! Does anyone have any experience with this intense a problem? It has never been this bad in the past. The trunks are running sap - so far no insects but I fear for disease and insect infestation as the weather continues to warm up. You can see the problem at the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: usefulgardens.blogspot.com - sapsucker attack