Methods for combating bark beetles on apple trees and the best means for getting rid of the parasite

There are a variety of methods for controlling bark beetles on apple trees. To combat the pests, it's important to determine the extent of the infestation and choose an effective treatment. Insecticides are the most effective. In simpler cases, folk remedies can help. Mechanical methods and trunk injections are also possible.

What types of bark beetles infest apple trees?

The apple bark beetle is a dark brown beetle that reaches a maximum length of 4 millimeters. Adults are capable of flight. Their hard elytra are decorated with a dotted pattern.

The parasites begin their flight when the apple trees bloom. During this time, the females chew holes in the trees and lay eggs. After a certain time, the larvae emerge. These are white worms.

The larvae are the most dangerous to trees. They consume wood all year long, causing damage to the trunk. Before emerging as adults, the larvae pupate, after which the cycle begins again.

Bark beetles pose a real threat to trees. They cause damage to wooden structures and products. There are approximately 750 species of bark beetles. The most common species include the following:

• bark beetle;
• xylophage;
• printer;
• woodworm;
• furniture sharpener.

Signs and causes of pest appearance

A week after the bloom begins, bark beetles begin to fly. At this time, they mate and begin building nests. Initially, the males become active. They select a tree and dig a tunnel in it.

The insects then attract females by releasing special pheromones. After fertilization, the beetles expand the network of tunnels. At the end of each branch, they lay up to 100 eggs.

The key cause of this process is believed to be a weakened immune system. In this situation, parasites easily infect the upper part of the tree and settle within its structure. Diseased and weakened apple trees are at risk.

The first symptoms of bark beetle infestation include the formation of wood flour. Sawdust appears on the surface of the tree. This dust is expelled by the beetles themselves or by the larvae as they eat through the wood.

When examining the bark, small holes are visible, from which dust is pouring out. The color of the sawdust can be used to assess the level of damage to the crop:

• brown - indicates damage to the bast or outer parts of the trunk;
• white – indicates serious damage to the trunk.

Additional symptoms of bark beetle attacks include the following:

1. A woodpecker regularly appears on the tree. It feeds on insects that live in the wood.
2. Rapid drying and wilting of branches, disruption of shoot growth.
3. The appearance of 2-millimeter holes in the bark. Gum flow is also considered a symptom of bark beetle infestation.
4. Peeling of the bark, exposed wood with numerous twisting passages. This is the final, most advanced stage, which leads to the death of the plant. Treatment of such a tree is not recommended; it must be destroyed immediately.

Insect danger

Bark beetles and their larvae remain within the tree structure for almost their entire life. Detecting the parasites in the early stages of infestation is quite difficult. This is why these pests pose a significant threat to apple trees.

The insects live inside the tree, creating numerous tunnels. They damage the tree's structure and cause wounds. The larvae absorb the plant's sap and damage its soft tissues. All this leads to severe weakening of the plant. First, metabolic processes and sap flow are disrupted, and then the tree simply dies from the inside.

Bark beetle infestation increases the risk of fungal infections. These significantly weaken the tree and cause its death. This also increases the risk of disease spreading throughout the garden.

Methods of struggle

It's recommended to carefully examine the tree's condition. This will help you choose effective pest control methods. If the bark is peeling off in chunks, treatment is useless. However, if the bark is firmly attached and there are only a few holes in the tree, you can try to save it.

The most effective drugs and treatment rules

To eliminate beetles, insecticides are used. Broad-spectrum products are recommended. These penetrate deep into the wood, affecting both adults and larvae.

Chemical treatments are used before the bark beetle attack begins. Treatments should be repeated after a couple of weeks. Additionally, the plant should be fertilized. Sanitary pruning is also important.

Bi-58

This German product helps control beetles and larvae. When ingested, it kills the parasites. It is sold in 1-10 liter containers. For increased effectiveness, BI-58 is combined with Clipper. It's important to note that this product is toxic to both humans and bees.

Vitalizer HB-101

This product is non-toxic and contains only natural ingredients. It helps protect apple trees from pests. It contains plant extracts, including cypress and cedar. It also contains pine and plantain extracts. The medication is available in liquid and granular form.

The first spraying is recommended after flowering. The second and third treatments are carried out at intervals of 7 days. To prepare the solution, use 1 milliliter of the solution per 10 liters of water.

Clipper

This Russian product belongs to the category of insecticide-acaricides. It is produced as an emulsion and sold in 1-5 liter containers.

To prevent apple tree infestations, spraying should be done one week before the onset of pest infestation. The protective effect lasts for 20-30 days. It is recommended to treat the trunks with a 3% solution. This product helps kill both larvae and adult pests.

Senezh-Insa

This Russian product is sold in 5- or 60-liter containers. The compound penetrates deep into the wood, helping to combat larvae and adult pests. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, and repels new pests.

Traps and repellents

Special traps can help get rid of bark beetles. They are treated with pheromones. These devices are sold at gardening stores. It is recommended to place the bait in the garden in the spring. Their aroma attracts adult insects. Traps containing the parasites should be destroyed.

Repellents work differently. They emit a dangerous scent, forcing the beetles to seek out other trees to lay their eggs.

Barrel lubricating

In the early stages, syringing can help. For this, solutions of various preparations are injected into the holes. These include Calypso and Karbofos. Antizhuk is also considered an effective treatment.

To perform this procedure, it is recommended to prepare a large syringe and mix the working solution. This is injected into the hole and the passage is sealed with garden pitch.

Traditional methods

To combat bark beetles, mix 2 cups of soap and carbolic acid with 5 liters of water. Dissolve the mixture in water at a ratio of 1:4 and spray the apple tree bark before and immediately after flowering. This solution effectively kills adult pests.

It is also permissible to treat wood with the following means:

• a composition based on manure and clay;
• oil paint;
• a composition of humus and slaked lime;
• whitewash.

Boosting tree immunity

Weakened plants are more susceptible to bark beetle attacks. Healthy trees have highly durable wood, making it very difficult to damage.

To boost the immune system, it's recommended to improve photosynthesis. For this purpose, use NV-101. In the spring, apply granules around the tree trunk. After flowering, treat the crown three times with a solution of 1 milliliter of the product per 10 liters of water. Repeat the treatments at weekly intervals.

Bogaty-Micro will help supply your plant with micronutrients. This product increases the plant's resistance to parasites and infections. To prepare a solution, use 1 milliliter of the product per 10 liters of water. The treatment should be performed 4 times with an interval of 1 week.

To strengthen the tree's immunity, treat it with a solution of Gumi-30 Universal every two weeks. To do this, take 100 grams of the paste and mix it with 200 milliliters of water. Use the resulting solution to make a working solution. Use one tablespoon per 10 liters of water.

How to prevent tree re-infestation

To prevent apple trees from becoming infested with bark beetles, the following steps should be taken:

• prune dry and damaged branches in autumn and spring;
• remove wood, dead wood, leaves and weeds from the area;
• monitor the condition of trees;
• treat the cuts with paint or garden pitch;
• apply fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium in a timely manner;
• water plants systematically;
• treat the tree with fungicides and insecticides according to a certain schedule.

The presence of bark beetles on apple trees is considered a major problem. If action is not taken promptly, the pest population will steadily increase, ultimately leading to the death of the tree. To avoid such problems, it is recommended to promptly treat the tree with chemicals. In simple cases, home remedies may be sufficient.