Stephen from Eugen, Or writes
A question was asked and answered about using Fertilome Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench for Bronze Birch Borer, as the label states for Bronze Birch Alder. Your answer was to use Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control with Systemaxx by Bonide for Bronze Birch Borer. They both have an active ingredient of Imidacloprid at 1.47% & 1.46% respectively and is the ingredient used to combat flathead borers. Both insects are almost the same in their habits, life cycles, and do identical damage to birch and alder trees. So, saying one product for one borer doesn't make any sense and I would think it doesn't matter other than price. I have birch trees.
Fertilome Tree and Shrub Systemic Insect Drench is specifically labeled for bronze birch alder not the birch borers. This is why the Bonide product labeled for both was recommended as an alternate product selection. It is important to keep in mind that the movement of imidacloprid, regardless of the application technique, is reduced if trees are stressed. Alders belong to the Birch family. Bronze birch borers feed on stressed and dying trees. We do suggest consulting an arborist in your area to determine the condition of the tree. Flathead borers such as these cause damage to the birch where the adult Bronze Birch Alders feed on the alder.
Answer last updated on: 02/08/2018
