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Asian Longhorned Beetle

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Control Strategy

Contents:
Strategy
Host Material Removal
Chemical Control
Data Collection

The control strategy provides a means to significantly reduce ALB populations by targeting the area into which the pest is most likely to naturally disperse from an outbreak site.  When combined with intensive detection activities, the strategy is expected to eradicate the pest from the outbreak site within 3 to 5 years.                              

Strategy

Infested trees:  Remove ALB-infested host material.  Presence of oviposition sites or exit holes indicates infestation.

Control zone: Remove or chemically treat all ALB host material within a minimum ½ mile radius of infested hosts. 

Hosts:  For control purposes, hosts include Acer spp., Aesculus spp., Albizia julibrissan, Betula spp, Celtis spp, Fraxinus, spp., Platanus spp., Populus spp., Salix spp., Sorbus spp., and Ulmus spp (see Appendix 1).

Rationale for minimum radius: 

  • Estimated distance of natural spread/year:
    • China: maximum distance in mark-recapture study - 4600 ft in 3 weeks,
    • Chicago: 2 years data; measured distance from 666 trees with oviposition sites only to the nearest tree with exit hole: 80% of  trees with oviposition site only are within 330 ft (1/16 mile) of a tree with an exit hole; 94% within 660 ft (1/8 mile); 99% within 1320 ft (1/4 mile); 99.7% within 1980 ft (3/8 mile);  Trees with both oviposition sites and exit holes are excluded from the analysis.
  • Flight ability: China: maximum distance of single observed flight - 1200 ft.

Managers may conduct control activities beyond the minimum depending upon the detection data and the degree of infestation.  For example, where there is a large established core with several satellite detections beyond the minimum radius, a manager may want to conduct control activities in the area between the core and the satellite detections.

Any decision to reduce the scope of control actions will be made in consultation with the project director and cooperators.   

The decision between removing and chemically treating host trees depends upon specific characteristics of the site or area.  Onsite managers in conjunction with the program director and cooperators will determine the most appropriate activity based on social, biological, environmental, and economic concerns.  Considerations:

  • Total host removal and/or chemical treatment within a ½ mile radius would encompass an area where a large percentage of the beetles would disperse, but a low percentage will likely disperse beyond this distance.  An effective detection program is essential both inside and outside the control zone.
  • Host removal removes immature life stages eliminating potential adult beetle dispersal.  Host removal is recommended in near proximity of an infested tree because of the likelihood of infestation.
  • Removal during adult emergence and flight season may result in adults dispersing during the process.  A bark spray prior to removal is warranted where public and/or environmental health would not be impacted.
  • Chemical treatment will need to remain active through a minimum three emergence seasons to be effective and several applications will be required to ensure effective coverage.  Chemical treatment is expected to remove a high percentage of emerging adults as they feed on twigs and leaves prior to mating and dispersal.  Mated female adults are susceptible to treated trees as they prepare oviposition sites.  Additionally, young larvae burrowing into the tree are also exposed to the chemical.
  • As long as active populations exist in an area, chemical treatments may need to be applied on an annual basis.
  • When using chemical treatments, managers should expect to continue to discover exit holes and/or oviposition sites on treated trees.  The chemical treatment is not believed to be effective against large larvae already present in the tree at the time of treatment.  Also, some holes/sites may not have been discovered during previous surveys.  These newly discovered trees with exit holes and/or oviposition sites should be removed and the control zone be adjusted accordingly.  Because of this possibility, tree owners should be informed that their chemically treated tree is less likely to become infested but that the tree may have to be removed in the future if evidence of the beetle is discovered.           
  • The cost of removing and replanting a fixed number of trees may equal or exceed chemically treating the same number of trees over a three year period.  
 Host material removal

It is recommended that infested host material removal occur within 3 days of detection when beetles are active.  During adult emergence and flight season, a bark spray to the infested host material prior to removal is recommended to prevent dispersal of any adult beetles from the host.  However, environmental and public concerns must be considered in any decision to use bark sprays.     

It is recommended that the roots of host material be removed to a minimum of 9 inches below ground level.  Any aboveground roots of a half inch or more in diameter should also be removed. 

Host material should be chipped or burned. Chipped material must be no larger than 1 inch in two dimensions. Host material that is not chipped may be moved to an approved burning site with proper safeguards: vehicles must be tarped or covered to prevent spillage, an emergency spill plan with contact numbers must be carried by the driver, and host material may be held no longer than 24 hours at the burn site prior to burning.

Chemical control

All pesticides should be used according to their label instructions.

1. Soil or trunk injection of insecticides:
Imidacloprid, a chemical with systemic properties and low mammalian toxicity, has been found to be effective against adult ALB as it feeds on small twigs, the female when depositing eggs, and young larvae.  This insecticide is formulated for soil and trunk applications from a number of sources.  The contractor/applicator and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) must have all pesticide and 2(ee) labels (if required by the state) at all times during treatment.  Label instructions for application must be strictly adhered to as well as all environmental and safety requirements.  Proper spill cleanup material must be on site at all times.  Treatments are typically made in early spring, in order to allow the insecticide to be taken up and distributed throughout the tree so as to be most effective during the ALB emergence and flight period.  Soil treatments can take up to 3 months before sufficient levels are observed in target plant tissues.

Treatment options:

A. Basal Soil injection:
Rate of use: 1.42 grams of active ingredient of Merit 75 WSP (EPA Reg. No. 432-1318) per inch of tree diameter.  This is the maximum soil injection rate allowed by the label.  At least one of the crew members will be a fully Certified Applicator.  **CLARIFICATION**  Alternative brand names of Merit 75 WSP may be used as a substitute, including Touchstone 75 WSP, Criterion 75 WSP, Hunter 75 WSP, Lesco Bandit 75 WSP, Prokoz Zenith 75 WSP, Submerge 75 WSP (EPA Reg. Nos. 432-1318).

Mixing and Agitation – Portable Tanks:

  1. Add 9 mL of Wex (wetting agent, Conklin Co., Inc.) to each 3 gallon tank and add water.  Alternatively, fill tank with a premix of water/wex.
  2. Add four water soluble packets (1.6 oz each) of Merit 75 WSP and mix well.
  3. The Merit 75 WSP will be mixed and/or agitated at the start of each treatment location.  Any alternative suspending and wetting agents used shall receive prior approval by USDA.  Agitation may be accomplished by stirring, mixing or shaking of the canister contents; tipping and raising the canister from horizontal to vertical several times is sufficient to meet this requirement.

Mixing and Agitation – Tanker Truck:

  1. Large tanks may be filled with water the night before treatment using a water metering system.  Filling large tanks by sight gauges will not be allowed.
  2. Add 9 mL of Wex (wetting agent, Conklin Co., Inc.) for each 3 gallons, agitate tank during mixing.
  3. The mixing of Merit 75 WSP into the tank must be in the presence of USDA.  While agitating the tank, place the number of Merit packets into the tank per table below.

Total Fill Gals

Packets Merit

3

2

30

20

60

40

90

60

120

80

150

100

180

120

  1. The Merit 75 WSP will be mixed and/or agitated at the start of each treatment location.  Any alternative suspending and wetting agents used shall receive prior approval by USDA.  Chemical mixture shall be dispensed through a mechanical pumping system with no greater than 50 psi.

Equipment:

  1. Portable Tanks - The equipment used for the basal soil application shall be a portable, closed, self contained unit.  It shall be capable of delivering chemical through a soil injection wand without leakage.  A kick-plate will be placed on the wand so that the injection depth is approximately 6”.  The Contractor shall provide USDA a description of the application unit and the delivery method to be used in the contract.  Calibration method will be identified to and approved by the program for any application equipment used. 
  2. Tanker Trucks - All tanks used for ALB treatments shall be triple rinsed prior to use in the ALB treatment application.  USDA-APHIS reserves the right to observe the triple-rinsing process.  If a tank is used for any other treatment application outside of this contract, then the tank shall be triple rinsed prior to use again in the ALB treatment application.  The Contractor shall notify USDA if tanks are used for other applications outside of the USDA contract during the performance of this contract.

Access and Safeguard of the Treatment Sites

  1. The Contractor shall have all necessary spill clean up materials readily accessible.

Precautions and Special Situations:

  1. The applicator should ensure that the soil around the tree to be treated will absorb the specified dose, and that no run-off from the treatment area occurs.  If any chemical bubbles to the surface the applicator will remain at the tree until any surface liquid is absorbed.
  2. Applications with potential for run-off, either because of slope, because of proximity to surface water, etc. will not be permitted.  Treatment of woodlots or locations with dense tree growth is not appropriate for soil treatments and trunk injection will be used in these locations (either by Mauget capsules or with an approved trunk injection system). 
  3. Basal soil applications will not be made to trees in close proximity to vegetable gardens or edible fruit/nut bearing trees.
  4. For difficult to treat trees (large pit trees in sidewalks, trees with overgrown root masses, etc.) the application may be made to the nearest extent of the base of the tree if obstructions exist within 12 inches of the base; evenly distribute chemical within the available injection sites.  In addition, these trees can be treated using an injection wand without a kick-plate, so as to enable an application within a confined area.
  5. Trees identified specifically by the COTR as appropriate for Mauget or other trunk injection treatment may be treated in this manner.

Treatment:

  1. The DBH of each tree will be measured at 54 inches above the soil line.  Tree diameters shall be rounded up or down to the nearest whole number.  For measurement of trees with unique growth forms (apparent single-stem trees growing in dense clumps, multi-stem trees with small branches at 54 inches but with a distinct collar, etc.), the COTR will make the final determination on treatment DBH (see Appendix 7).  Also reference DBH measurement protocols elsewhere in the contract.
  2. Dispense the proper amount of product in a minimum of 4 injection sites, placed evenly around the base of the tree.  In general, the number of injection sites for trees 12” and greater will be determined by dividing the tree diameter by two, but this may be reduced if injection sites are limited.
    • When using a portable tank, ½ cup (4 oz) of mix is applied for each inch of tree diameter; use sight gauges to verify delivery.
    • When using a tanker truck, 1 cup (8 oz) of mix is applied for each inch of tree diameter; use a calibrated digital flow meter to verify.
  3. The treatment mixture shall be applied under the soil around the base of the tree, normally no more than 12 inches from the base.  In no case will material be allowed to puddle and run off-site.  Any appearance of treatment solution moving from the site will halt the treatment.  All spills will be properly and promptly cleaned up by treatment crews.  The Contractor shall document all spills and remedial actions performed on the daily treatment record report to USDA.
  4. Potted plants may be treated by a basal soil drench using the same apparatus described in this section for basal injection, or by a unit modified with a drenching wand rather than injection tip.  Chemical dosage, formulation, and mixing requirements are the same for basal application or basal soil drenching.
  5. Treated areas will be monitored until all liquid chemical is absorbed by the soil.

Considerations for soil injection:

  1. Once applied the treatment is complete.  The treated tree does not have to be monitored for a period of time as with the Mauget application method.
  2. The material and similar techniques are presently used by a number of tree companies to control other insects and are well accepted in most states.
  3. The material does not move much in the soil.
  4. The cost of the treatment is less expensive than trunk injections.
  5. May not be authorized for use in some locations. 
  6. Cautions need to be taken with treatments around water.
  7. Sufficient insecticide residues for ALB control are not achieved until 2 to 3 months post-application.
  8. Treatment of dense tree stands may result in going over the labeled amount per acre.
  9. Some urban trees are difficult to treat due to enlarged root masses, etc.

B. Mauget trunk injection: 
Use 4 mL Imicide capsules with the Mauget trunk micro-injection system to treat urban and rural trees as needed.  Use of Mauget Generation II capsules must follow the recommendations made in the Mauget Technical Support Bulletin 05-1005.  The capsules will contain a 10% formulation of imidacloprid and will be applied at the rate of one capsule per two inches of DBH. 
Determine the number of capsules to use per tree by determining the tree DBH and dividing by 2.  A tree with a DBH of 20 inches would require 10 capsules.  The dispensers should be placed in the root flares close to the soil (2 to 6 inches above the soil-wood line).  It is very important not to place capsules in root flare valleys, as poor distribution of the material may occur.  Once the tree DBH has been determined, place the dispensers on the ground around the tree in the root flare areas that will result in the best distribution of the material throughout the tree.  If necessary, more than one dispenser can be placed in one root flare area.  Activate the dispenser by hitting the top with a rubber mallet or by pressing between the hands.  Using a battery operated drill with an 11/64 bit, drill a hole approximately 0.5 to .75 inches deep on a 45 degree angle to the main trunk where each dispenser is to be placed.  The hole should extend just into the tree xylem area.  Insert the dispenser tube firmly into the micro injection unit and seat snugly into the hole in the tree.  Tap the barrel section lightly with a rubber mallet to firmly seat the micro injection unit in the hole.  You should hear a popping sound if the unit is properly in place.  Tap the dispenser tube to remove air bubbles and ensure that liquid is flowing into the tree.  If not installed correctly, the material will not go into the tree and may possibly leak and cause environmental contamination. 

Once treated, a 4 hour wait time is required to ensure that the material has emptied out of the micro injection unit and into the tree.  Time to empty can vary depending on the time of the year, weather conditions, and tree species.  Moist soil conditions and bright sun with mild temperatures facilitate the emptying of the micro injection units.  At the time of notification of treatment, residents and landowners should be encouraged to water the soil under the trees prior to treatment to help increase its effectiveness.  The micro injector units will remain on the treated trees for a maximum of 4 hours, but if empty before 4 hours they can be removed from the tree.  If a unit or units have not emptied at the end of a four hour period, remove the unit(s) and note on the daily report the location of the tree and the approximate % of material remaining in each capsule.  Capsule applications should be timed so that all capsules are removed before dark.  Once empty, the unit and feeder tube are removed from the tree and properly disposed of according to the label instructions.  Personnel must be trained by the J.J. Mauget Company or one of their representatives before they attempt to do this type of treatment.

Considerations for Mauget injections:

  1. Insecticide moves up into the tree in a short period of time (1-3 weeks).
  2. Insecticide residue levels tend to be higher than for soil treatments.
  3. Can treat urban trees with no means to soil inject (no soil, standing water, etc.).
  4. Trees growing in dense stands (woodlots, forested areas) can be treated without restriction.
  5. No water needed, little equipment to move around and minimal environmental impact.
  6. Registered for use in most states.
  7. Its use, over time, may damage trees because a number of small holes need to be drilled into each tree.
  8. The micro injectors are a passive system and up to a 4 hour period may be needed for the pesticide to leave the injector and go into the tree.  In an urban area, the injectors have to be monitored until such time that they can be removed.
  9. Tree may not take up all of the intended dosage. 
  10. Capsules must be disposed of according to label directions.
  11. If not applied correctly, uniform coverage may not occur throughout the tree.
  12. Trees less than two inches in diameter cannot be treated with the Mauget system.
  13. The cost of the treatment is more expensive than soil applications.

C. Pressurized trunk injection:
In situations where soil injections cannot be performed and immediate trunk injections are desired, pressurized trunk injection devices can be used (Appendix 3.3).  Specific use instruction for each device can be found in their respective operation and maintenance manuals.  Trunk injectors can use any of the approved imidacloprid formulations for these devices:  Imicide HP (10% formulation, ~100 g/l, JJ Mauget Co., EPA  Reg. No. 7946-25); Merit Tree Injection Insecticide (17% formulation, 200 g/l, Bayer Environmental Science, EPA Reg. No. 432-1447); IMA-jet (5% formulation, 50 g/l, Arborjet, Inc., EPA Reg. No. 74578-1); Pointer ALB Insecticide (5% formulation, 50 g/l, ArborSystems, EPA Reg. No. 69117-1). 

At the start of each work day, trunk injection devices to be used will be calibrated in the presence of a USDA representative, by injecting five 4 ml doses into a graduated cylinder, and repeated once more.  This should also be repeated during the workday whenever there is an indication that the proper amount is not being injected.  Chemical expended during calibration should be captured and recycled for use; chemical remaining in the application lines and system should be captured and recycled for operational use.

Pre-drill an injection hole (7/32 inch in diameter) at a slightly downward angle 3/4 inches into wood (xylem) at the base of the tree trunk with a clean, sharp brad point drill bit, approximately 6 inches above the soil line.  The number of injection holes is determined by measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH), and dividing by 2.  These injection sites will be as evenly spaced as possible except for situations where trunk damage exists or access is impossible.  Align the USDA tip with the injection hole and push firmly with a slight rotating motion to seat the tip into wood.  The minimal application rate to use is 2 ml per inch of DBH rounded to the nearest even number (based on a 100 g/l active ingredient formulation).  Application should be made as evenly as possible to all sides of the tree.

Examples-

  1. A tree measures 23.9 inches in DBH.  As the actual DBH is less than 24 inches, round to the nearest whole number, 24 inches, and apply at the rate of 2 mLs per inch.  This tree would have 12 injection sites with 4ml per injection site.
  2. A tree measures 22.75 inches in DBH, round down to 22 inches and treat at the rate of 2 mLs per inch of DBH.  This tree would have 11 injection sites with 4ml per injection site.

Place the holes in actively growing tissue (i.e., “peaks, not “valleys”) and avoid wounds or girdling roots.  For trees that have been injected previous years, injection sites can be staggered 3 to 6 inches above and between old injection sites.  In an effort to achieve good uptake, injections can be made from the root flare up to a height of 12 inches from the soil line.  When the number of injection holes is reduced to accommodate inactive sites, increase the amount of material injected in other holes in order to inject the proper dose into the tree.  It is anticipated that uptake will be immediate to a few seconds in most situations, particularly with certain species in the springtime.  However, in the event that uptake is delayed, good judgment is required.  Use 15 seconds as a guide; if the injection hole appears to be taking the material up, try to inject the appropriate amount.  If the injection hole does not appear to be taking up material, move to adjacent injection sites and attempt to inject the normal dose plus one half the deficit amount from the unresponsive injection site.  Whenever possible, apply the deficit chemical into the two adjacent injection sites in order to maintain even chemical distribution throughout the tree.

It is important to inject the appropriate amount for the size of tree.  Trees that have large wounds on one side (i.e., auto hits) may not take up material on that side.  In these cases application will be made to the uninjured side of the tree.  The application should attempt to evenly distribute the chemical through the tree by evenly spacing injection sites around the trunk of the tree.  If several holes fail in the same tree, it is best to drill another hole so that not too much chemical is being injected into one side of the tree.

Trunk injection units will be cleaned of all debris and inspected on a daily basis.  Regular maintenance will be performed as detailed in the user’s manuals.  Prudent preventative maintenance should minimize delays due to equipment malfunction.  Malfunctioning equipment will be removed from service and replaced with a working unit, or may be repaired and returned to service if the problem can be corrected in a reasonable amount of time.

Considerations for Trunk Injections (also see those listed for Mauget injections, above): 

  1. Capability to deliver custom doses of chemical at each injection site.
  2. Ability to immediately treat a tree and move on (average time to inject a 10” tree is less than 5 minutes).
  3. Label rates allow for an increased dose of insecticide for larger diameter trees.  Adequate residue levels are typically not achieved when using the minimal application rate in the larger trees. 
  4. Usage rates may be less than that listed on the label, requiring the need for state notification or a special label recommendation (2ee).
  5. Equipment may be complicated, subject to breakdown and time-consuming maintenance.
  6. May require training before use. 

2. Bark sprays:
Bark sprays target the adult beetles as they feed on the twigs and deposit eggs during the adult emergence and flight period.  Thorough coverage of the bark is required; therefore apply material with a hydraulic type sprayer with pressure (400-800 psi).  Bark sprays may be used during the adult emergence and flight period:  1) on individually infested trees prior to removal to prevent any adults that may be present from dispersing or 2) on large tracts of wooded land surrounding infested trees to quickly suppress populations or protect from infestation. 

There are a number of pesticides that have been tested for their contact and stomach effect on adult beetles when applied as bark sprays.  Tests in China and the United States indicate that a number of registered pesticides are effective against the adult beetles when applied as bark sprays in the laboratory. 

Recommended bark sprays are in the following order of priority:

1. Chemical:  Demand CS (λ-cyhalothrin) 9.7% (microencapsulated)

Demand CS (Syngenta Professional Products; EPA Reg. No. 100-1066) can be mixed with water and used as a bark spray with hydraulic spray equipment using 5 fluid ounces of formulation in 100 gallons of water.  There should be good agitation in the mixing tank and the material should be applied so that all tree bark is covered with the material.  Major emphasis should be on good coverage of bark in the upper 2/3 of the tree, including twigs 0.25 to 0.75 inches in diameter.  The applicator should try to prevent the spray material from going onto the ground if possible.  It may be advisable to use a good agricultural sticker with the spray mix to keep the material on the bark when exposed to rainfall.  An alternate method is to restrict applications to larger stems (>2 to 3 cm diameter) in the upper portions of trees.  The latter method will likely be somewhat less effective but could reduce insecticide usage and over-spray depending on the application method.  Do not apply Demand if rain is expected within 6 hours of spraying and do not apply to wet bark.  Do not apply when wind speed and/or direction favors drift beyond the area intended for treatment.  Do not apply to food crops or to plants being grown for sale or other commercial purposes.  Repeat applications may be made but do not apply more than 0.36 lbs A.I. (52.4 fl. oz. of concentrate) per acre per year.  See product label for additional details.  NOTE: The current label supports use on ornamental trees and shrubs, but does not specifically support use against wood borers on ornamentals. 

2. Chemical:  Tempo SC Ultra (β-cyfluthrin) 11.8% (1 lb. per gallon)

Tempo SC Ultra (Bayer Environmental Science, EPA Reg. No. 432-1363) can be mixed with water and used as a bark spray with hydraulic spray equipment using 5.4 fluid ounces of formulation in 100 gallons of water.  There should be good agitation in the mixing tank and the material should be applied so that all tree bark is covered with the material.  Major emphasis should be on good coverage of bark in the upper 2/3 of the tree, including twigs 0.25 to 0.75 inches in diameter.  The applicator should try to prevent the spray material from going onto the ground if possible.  It may be advisable to use a good agricultural sticker with the spray mix to keep the material on the bark when exposed to rainfall.  Do not apply the spray if rain is expected within 6 hours of spraying and do not apply to wet bark.  Do not apply when wind speed and/or direction favors drift beyond the area intended for treatment.  Repeat applications may be made.  Do not apply to food crops or to plants being grown for sale or other commercial purposes.  See product label for additional details.  NOTE: Current label supports use on ornamental trees and shrubs and against structural wood-boring pests, but does not specifically support use against wood borers on ornamentals.

3. Chemical:  Astro Insecticide (Permethrin) 36.8% (3.2 lbs. A.I. per gallon)

Astro Insecticide (FMC Corporation; EPA Reg. No. 279-3141) can be mixed with water and used as a bark spray with hydraulic spray equipment.  For broadcast sprays (covering small twigs and foliage), mix formulation at 8 fluid ounces per 100 gal. of water.  There should be good agitation in the mixing tank and the material should be applied so that all tree bark is covered with the material.  Major emphasis should be on good coverage of bark in the upper 2/3 of the tree, including twigs 0.25 to 0.75 inches in diameter.  The applicator should try to prevent the spray material from going onto the ground if possible.  It may be advisable to use a good agricultural sticker with the spray mix to keep the material on the bark when exposed to rainfall.  Do not apply the spray if rain is expected within 6 hours of spraying and do not apply to wet bark.  Do not apply when wind speed and/or direction favors drift beyond the area intended for treatment.  Repeat applications may be made but do not apply more than 2.0 lbs. per acre per year.  NOTE:  The current Astro label indicates that higher rates (up to 5.35 qts. of formulation in 100 gallons of water) may be used for coleopteran borers when the application is limited to trunks and larger branches.

4. Chemical:  TalstarOne Multi-Insecticide (Bifenthrin) 7.9% (2/3 lbs. A.I. per gallon)

TalstarOne Multi-Insecticide, also from FMC, (EPA Reg. No. 279-3206) can be mixed with water and used as a bark spray with hydraulic equipment using 20 fluid ounces of formulation in 100 gallons of water.  Label specifies applying product to foliage, twigs, and stems when treating ornamental plants for beetles.  Additional applications can be made to the trees during the adult flight period.  Do not apply to plants being grown for sale or other commercial purpose.  Follow instructions as they relate to Tempo.

5. Chemical: DeltaGuard T&O 5 SC Insecticide (Deltamethrin) 4.75% (0.42 lbs. A.I. per gallon)

DeltaGuard T&O 5 SC Insecticide (Bayer Environmental Science, EPA Reg. No. 432-834) can be mixed with water and used as a bark spray with hydraulic spray equipment using 4 to 8 fluid ounces of formulation in 100 gallons of water.  Do not apply to edible crops.  Follow instructions as they relate to the treatment with Tempo.  NOTE: The current label supports use on ornamental trees and shrubs, but does not specifically support use against wood borers on ornamentals. 

3. General pesticide use:

When applying pesticides, phytotoxicity (damage to the target plant) can occur and should be checked on a limited number (1-3 plants per species) of specimens before treating large numbers of trees.  The various species can react differently to the pesticide.

Before using any pesticide, always read the entire label and follow all instructions.  Make sure the material is registered for your specific use in the area where you plan to treat – in some cases exemptions may be needed before using a product in ALB programs.  Make sure all human and animal safety guidelines are strictly followed.  Make sure all environmental guidelines are strictly followed and adhere to restrictions regarding the use of insecticides near wetlands and bodies of water.  Adhere to state and local requirements.  Dispose of any empty containers as per label instructions. 

Definition: Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) - For trees, the DBH, measured at 4.5 feet above ground level, is used to estimate the amount of material needed for treatment.  For multi-stem trees, such as crape myrtle or birches, the rate should be determined on cumulative stem diameter for all stems in the clump (see Appendix 7).  DBH can be determined by using a specially designed measuring tape or tree caliper which measures tree diameter.  Both the tape and caliper can be obtained from tree and nursery suppliers.  If these tools are not available, an ordinary tape measure can be used to determine the tree trunk circumference at breast height.  Once the circumference is known, the following equation can be used to calculate DBH:  circumference (inches) x 0.32 = DBH (inches).  Example: Tree circumference is 16 inches, 16 x 0.32 = 5.1, or approximately 5 inches DBH.

Sources:

  • Merit products, Tempo SC Ultra, and DeltaGuard T&O 5SC Insecticide:  Bayer Environmental Science, P.O. Box 12014, 2 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
  • Imicide capsules, Imicide HP:  J.J. Mauget Company, 5435 Peck Rd., Arcadia, CA. 91006; contact 877-873-3457
  • Arborjet VIPER and IMA-jet formulation:  Arborjet, 70B Cross St., Winchester, MA  01890; contact 866-272-6758
  • Pointer ALB Insecticide:  ArborSystems, PO Box 34645, Omaha, NE  68134; contact 800-698-4641
  • Demand CS:  Syngenta Professional Products, Greensboro, NC  27409
  • Davey Tree Injector:  The Davey Tree Expert Co., 1500 Mantua St., Kent, OH 44240; contact 800-828-8312
  • Wex suspension agent:  Conklin Co., Inc., Agronomics Division, 551 Valley Park Dr., PO Box 155, Shakopee, MN  55379

Data collection

1. When ALB host material is treated the following data will be recorded:

  1. Date and time of treatment.
  2. Type of treatment (Mauget, pressurized trunk injection, soil injection, bark spray).
  3. Type and amount of chemical applied.
  4. Location of host material, street address, or GPS coordinates.
  5. Host Species.
  6. DBH of host species.
  7. Tree type (private, street, or park).  If private ownership, a release will be obtained, and the name, address, and phone number of the owner will be documented.
  8. Tree location on property.
  9. Contracting company and applicator conducting the treatment. 
  10. Work order number.
  11. Weather conditions.
  12. Name of inspector supervising treatment.           

2. When ALB host material is removed the following data will be recorded:

  1. Date of removal.
  2. Date(s) of chemical treatment, if applicable.
  3. If tree is infested or high risk.
  4. If infested, damage to tree in regards to number of egg sites and exit holes.
  5. Location of host material, street address, or GPS coordinates.
  6. Host Species.
  7. DBH of host species.
  8. Tree type (private, street, or park).  If private ownership, a release will be obtained, and the name, address, and phone number of the owner will be documented.
  9. Tree location on property.
  10. Hazardous conditions at the location.
  11. Contractor conducting the removal. 

Last Modified: August 21, 2008