Pine Bark Beetle Control with Monty’s Plant Food Products

By Dennis on February 24, 2010

The Pine Beetle continues to be a problem for residents across a broad swath of the country. Below is a control method that one ID arborist has used for the past several years for help controlling the pest for his customers.

Those who are now also dealing with the Emerald Ash Borer may also consider a similar treatment for their trees.  Though we have no evidence that this program will provide definitive results for the Ash Borer our experience with the Pine Beetle lead us to believe it may be worth a try in your area.

Monty’s Protocol for Treating Infested Trees
 
The following is a protocol which Drew Andrew developed in his business as an Arborist in Idaho over the past four years. This is the sole treatment he uses on his customers trees and woodlands. He does not use insecticides which require strict licensing requirements and can further harm the environment. While this treatment has not been validated by replicated academic trials, anecdotal evidence would support his success in a variety of settings.
Again, this treatment will not treat nor destroy the insects themselves but has shown promise in preventing attack and saving trees already infested with pine beetles. For complete treatment, we advise that you consult with an arborist, your local county extension or other professional for insecticides approved for use in your area for treatment of pine beetles.
 
As a rescue treatment follow the below guidelines two to three times per year. As a preventative, or to discourage re-infestation of previously affected trees apply annually in the spring as the trees break dormancy.
  • Prepare 18-24 ounces of Monty’s 2-15-15 Formula in 25 gallons of water in a spray tank suitable for spraying trees.  
  • Set PSI to 35 lbs of pressure on spray tank.  
  • Thoroughly saturate the trunk of the tree from the base to as high as you can reach. 
  • Spray mixture into any visible holes where possible. 
  • Combine bark treatment with a foliar application to the needles, or crown, of the tree when possible.

 For heavy infestations and if the tree is already showing significant signs of browning at the crown,combine all above steps with the following:

  • Root drench the above mixture with a deep feeder from the base of the tree to the edge of the drip line. 
  • Additionally, drill small ¼ inch holes into the trunk of the tree just past the outer bark layer and inject 1-2 ounces of solution per hole.

 Additional results may be noticed by adding 16 ounces of Monty’s Liquid Carbon or by using this as a tank-mix with your insecticide of choice.  Always read and follow label directions on any insecticide you may use.

A PDF of our full program and tech bulletin on pine beetle control is available by contacting Monty’s Plant Food Company.

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