Borer Control
Tips on Borer Control
Many trees are afflicted by a single type of pest that can cause their demise; understanding the different methods of borer control can help you to protect your trees.
Boring insects may be moths, beetles, wasps or flies. The most common types are in the beetle family, which may affect several different varieties of trees including shade trees, fruit trees and conifers. Prevention is always the best method of borer control when possible; in some cases control may mean destroying a tree.
It is important to know that boring insects almost always are attracted to trees already under some type of duress, although there are a few varieties able to attack fully healthy trees and woody plants. A tree that is not receiving the optimal conditions for its growth will suffer in health, so it is crucial to always choose a tree for planting in an area that is conducive to its specific requirements. If a tree requires full sunlight, or partial shade, those particular conditions need to be provided to ensure a healthy tree. Adequate watering and feeding of the tree is also important for borer control, as is the time of pruning. If a tree or similar plant is pruned during its normally active and productive period, the site of pruning will be an open wound, which opens the door for borer invasion.
Maintaining a healthy environment for the tree is only part of the job of borer control. Chemical usage is a common means of controlling the insect, although it should be performed by a professional for the best results. Since the boring insect is generally located underneath the bark or within the sapwood of the tree, chemical application can be tricky. Good timing is of the essence for chemicals. Use of pheromone traps to attract the adults searching for mates may be effective before egg laying takes place. Otherwise, watching for the egg laying season and applying chemical spray to the adult is the best opportunity for borer control. Spraying chemicals on the trunk can achieve equally as satisfactory results if you are able to catch the larvae during its early stages.
Specific wood boring beetles may have their own unique characteristics that may call for a particular method of containment. After identifying the presence of the beetles on your type of tree, check with a local farm extension service or nursery to determine which steps should be taken in the task of borer control. In some cases, it may lead to the destruction of the tree to avoid the infestation spreading to other trees.
Understanding the various methods of borer control can mean the difference between losing a single tree or many; it could also provide the means of saving a tree.