Wymon from Guin Alabama writes
Southern pine Beetles are taking over here in north Alabama I’ve been forced to cut 80 acres of large pine tree all ready and now the beetles are in the younger trees (12 year old) and moving fast,I’ve been looking for something to spray with wanted some recommendations for what to spray with i been using Permethrin 36.8% around the farm for years and it works great for all other bugs
Unfortunately, there is no easy solution when it comes to pine beetles. Infected trees should be cut down (before the newly hatched beetles fly out of the trees in the spring/summer) and the wood burned or chipped, while other still healthy trees should be sprayed annually to protect them. Because of the natural boring behavior of the beetle, they are protected from topically applied insecticides, and systemic insecticides (those injected into the tree or applied as a root drench) have proven ineffective for pine beetle infestations. Healthy trees can be protected before the beetles attack by topically spraying them with a synthetic pyrethroid like Talstar. The tree should be sprayed from the ground to 15 ft up the trunk to prevent future infestations. You should contact your local cooperative extension office to find out the best time to start spraying in your region.
Answer last updated on: 07/28/2024
