What Are Ambrosia Beetles?
Ambrosia beetles are pests that attack trees by carving tunnels, which become galleries. In these galleries, adult ambrosia beetles introduce ambrosia fungi, which they have a symbiotic relationship with, that causes even more damage to the trees. The damage is done through the hostplant’s vascular system. Once it begins to spread, it cuts off the flow of nutrients and water. This results in wilting, stunted growth, and plant death in some cases.
Understanding Ambrosia Beetles
Ambrosia beetles are tiny dark brown or black bugs. Although only a few millimeters in size, their disruptive life cycle is what causes damage to trees. They carve the galleries so they can have a safe place to lay their eggs. Only female ambrosia beetles can fly and will search for new hosts on their own.
Trees that are more susceptible to infestation are already stressed by drought, flooding, or mechanical wounding, however, they can also infest healthy trees. Attacks on newly transported trees can be deadly. Once trees become infested, they serve as a breeding site for future generations.
Prevention Strategies
Early detection is key to preventing any pest. The trick to spotting ambrosia beetle damage is to look for “toothpicks” or strings of sawdust. They look like tiny, delicate sticks that could snap with any amount of pressure. They are created from the beetle’s woodboring habits. Properly removing and disposing of rotted or infested trees can prevent spread. Ethanol-baited traps can help in discovering if there is a beetle infestation. Before planting new trees, ensure there is sufficient space between trees to avoid overcrowding and reduce humidity. Proper fertilization and care of trees can also prevent the threat of ambrosia beetles.
Control Methods
If there are signs of ambrosia beetle damage, you have several options for controlling an infestation. In high-risk areas, chemical treatments can protect your customers’ trees. Arborjet has a variety of products that effectively work to prevent ambrosia beetles. Bark sprays can prevent boring. Using pyrethroid insecticides can keep ambrosia beetles from coming near your client’s trees, however, if there is already an infestation, the insecticides can’t reach them. Pruning can sometimes protect the rest of the tree from damage.
Entomopathogenic fungi are a natural control against ambrosia beetles. They infect the beetles through their exoskeleton, slowly killing them. Trap trees are healthy trees stressed on purpose to attract beetles. Once they attract the beetles, they should be cut and destroyed before they have time to reproduce.
Ambrosia beetles are a complex challenge in pest management. Taking precautions to prevent damage is the best action to avoid an infestation.
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