Yellow bellied sap sucker holes

[Mvhomesteader]

I've noticed a bunch of BB type holes in some maples that I am sure are caused by a sap sucker-seen one at the bird feeder. The holes only go through the bark and barely into wood, but they weep sap. What I am wondering is do these holes cause damage to the tree like a tap hole, and therefore I need to steer clear of them when I tap next spring? Or are they of no concern? Has anyone had some experience with these? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[Russell Lampron]

If the tree was girdled it will more than likely die at the injury and above. Tap it while you still can or cut it down for firewood before it rots.

[heus]

Ive had those evil little things girdle and kill a red maple about 8" in diameter. Right now I have several sugar maples bleeding from these little "suckers."

[Mvhomesteader]

Should I assume a 6" set of holes on a 30" diameter tree would be no issue? Can you still tap where the "holes" are? The tree is by no means girdled.

[heus]

It will be fine.

[Russell Lampron]

I wouldn't tap where the holes are but any good wood on either side will be fine.

[Mvhomesteader]

Thanks for the input. Since this is a bigger tree, I might try an experiment with two taps-one where the sap sucker made some dimples and a more "reliable" one a safe distance away.