Eliminate Wood-Boring Beetles From A Young Maple Tree

7 September 2016
 Categories: Environmental, Blog

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If you have a young Maple tree growing on your property that is infested with wood-boring beetles, eliminate the pests and prevent new ones from appearing by using one of the following safe and effective methods. Afterward, your tree will continue growing in a healthy manner as long as it receives plenty of sunlight and water.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is derived from berries that grow on the neem tree. The berries are crushed up and made into a liquid that can be used as a non-toxic pesticide. The oil will kill beetles that are on the tree, but will not pose a threat to you, your pets, wildlife, or the environment.

Spray an even coat of neem oil on any parts of the tree where you have spotted beetles. Pay close attention to the bark of the tree and treat areas where sections of wood are missing or loose. Once beetles come into contact with the oil, their respiratory systems will be compromised, resulting in death. Apply an additional oil treatment if the first one did not successfully eliminate all of the beetles.

Pesticide Injections

Purchase a tree pesticide kit from a landscaping company or tree specialist. Follow the instructions enclosed with the kit that you bought. Most pesticide kits will require you to drill holes holes around the base of the tree. Afterward, insert the tip of a small funnel into each hole and pour the pesticide mixture into each one.

Once the holes are full, cover them with plastic sheeting that is secured by strips of masking tape to prevent the pesticide from leaking out. The pesticide will be absorbed into the tree and will provide the trunk, leaves, and branches with protection from wood-boring beetles. 

Citrus Spray

Neem oil that is found in the peels of citrus fruits will kill existing wood-boring beetles and deter new ones from making their home on your tree. Peel a few lemons, limes, oranges, or another type of citrus fruit. Cut up the peels into small pieces.

Fill a pot with water and heat it up until it is boiling. Add the fruit peel pieces into the boiling water and allow them to simmer for a few minutes. Afterward, turn off the stove and wait for the peels and water to cool down. Strain the peels and water through a colander and add the fruit peel-infused water to an empty spray bottle.

Spray parts of the tree where you have spotted wood-boring beetles. Beetles will die once they come into contact with the spray and new ones will avoid going near the tree. The oil will not cause you or anyone else any harm. Instead, it will emit a fresh scent.

For more information, contact a tree service in your area.