Posted by Gus on 6/9/2009, 6:34 pm, in reply to "Controlling bark beetles"
83.165.88.149
Hello Mark
I think I have some answers, but unfortunately I am no specialist, so please be indulgent.
First point would be getting to know 100% the critter is that one. Reason, because the control method I will suggest is very specific.
But if you see things like this, then it is likely.
If so, a possible way to control the pest is "tricking the critter".
Apparently, they find their host by smell. So, if you manage to set up one or several traps that "smell like oak" or "smell like Ms. Intricatus but only like Ms. Intricatus" in the right time of the year (so the right time of the beetle life cycle, when they are "outdoors")... leading to (for instance) a glued paper, or a alcohol filled trap instead of an oak...
It does not mean you will trick them all, but the more you trick, the less will reproduce, so the following year the attack should be less severe. If repeated along years, could decrease to near zero.
You have an example of a similar case explained in depth here (PDF).
This type of pests are normally "old companion" of their hosts, they evolved together along millenia. Which means they normally like just their favourite food ("highly specific borers"). You can ocasionally find them in other host types, but that is rare, so I think your other trees are safe.
Best of luck,
Gus
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