PSA - Identifying Ambrosia Boring Beetle Damage

[TorontoJoe]

These two trees took some damage over the winter. They had some decaying wood. I still don’t know exactly why but this is what you want watch for. These little holes and sawdust toothpicks are a sure sign.

Some have been able to save trees by spraying. I’ve normally had to take them down to below the lowest entry point. Sometimes down to the soil line

 

[MattK]

The problem is even if the beetle leaves the ambrosia fungus still works on the health of the tree and can still kill it. I trap the beetles using vodka in hanging plastic bottle with a window flap cut in it.
They got a few of my apple trees his year before I set traps. I sprayed the trunks and injected the holes with Permethrin SFR. Which killed them and had no further boring but the fungus is still killing the tree.

 

[DCallahan]

The problem is even if the beetle leaves the ambrosia fungus still works on the health of the tree and can still kill it. I trap the beetles using vodka in hanging plastic bottle with a window flap cut in it.
They got a few of my apple trees his year before I set traps. I sprayed the trunks and injected the holes with Permethrin SFR. Which killed them and had no further boring but the fungus is still killing the tree.

@MattK would you mind posting a picture of your beetle trap?

 

[GoodFriendMike]

Catching Beetles | Ambrosia Symbiosis

 

[MattK]

@MattK would you mind posting a picture of your beetle trap?

Sure I use some I made and some I bought from Greatlakes IPM that I also use for SVB, SWD and oriental fruit moth. I hung the one I made upside down thinking I could open the cap to drain and rinse out. since it is tapered maybe wouldn't have to use as much vodka. This is my apple tree I just removed and will either plant another apple, persimmon or mulberry.

 

[TorontoJoe]

The problem is even if the beetle leaves the ambrosia fungus still works on the health of the tree and can still kill it. I trap the beetles using vodka in hanging plastic bottle with a window flap cut in it.
They got a few of my apple trees his year before I set traps. I sprayed the trunks and injected the holes with Permethrin SFR. Which killed them and had no further boring but the fungus is still killing the tree.

I’ve never heard of vodka traps. Thanks for posting this.

 

[TorontoJoe]

I’d like to get opinions on an aspect of trapping. I’ve never tried trapping for ambrosia beetles…. But I did once for Japanese Beetles. I caught a ton of them but it seemed like there was no less damage to the trees. My thought at the time being that I was probably attracting more beetles to the property with bait and was potentially making the problem worse. Since then I just don’t grow stone fruit or beans as they get destroyed….. but a shame because I would love to have both.

What has been your experience?

 

[ktrain]

These little SOBs are probably the biggest threat here.
Furry critters may eat your crops or break branches, but the beetles kill!

It's war.

 

[MattK]

I’d like to get opinions on an aspect of trapping. I’ve never tried trapping for ambrosia beetles…. But I did once for Japanese Beetles. I caught a ton of them but it seemed like there was no less damage to the trees. My thought at the time being that I was probably attracting more beetles to the property with bait and was potentially making the problem worse. Since then I just don’t grow stone fruit or beans as they get destroyed….. but a shame because I would love to have both.

What has been your experience?

The Japanese beetle traps are know for that and they don't really help unless you can put them far away maybe in you neighbors yard lol. The ambrosia beetle traps are used for monitoring mostly on the outside of the orchard.

https://site.extension.uga.edu/pecan/2015/01/managing-ambrosia-beetles/#:~:text=There are several traps that,long will do the trick.

Don’t fall into the Japanese beetle trapping trap

Beyond the satisfaction of capturing hundreds of beetles in a trap, does your yard or garden actually benefit? The answer is, most likely, no.

extension.umn.edu

 

[TorontoJoe]

The Japanese beetle traps are know for that and they don't really help unless you can put them far away maybe in you neighbors yard lol. The ambrosia beetle traps are used for monitoring mostly on the outside of the orchard.

https://site.extension.uga.edu/pecan/2015/01/managing-ambrosia-beetles/#:~:text=There are several traps that,long will do the trick.

Don’t fall into the Japanese beetle trapping trap

Beyond the satisfaction of capturing hundreds of beetles in a trap, does your yard or garden actually benefit? The answer is, most likely, no.

extension.umn.edu

So, if I'm understanding you correctly.... I should be setting Japanese beetle traps in my neighbours yards?

 

[GoodFriendMike]

The problems with traps for any insect. Is you are inviting them.
Not sure you even want them in your neighbors yard.
That is still to close.

 

[Figgin' A]

I’ve never heard of vodka traps. Thanks for posting this.

Those beetles must be of Russian origin

 

[MattK]

So, if I'm understanding you correctly.... I should be setting Japanese beetle traps in my neighbours yards?

I guess it depend how far you neighbors yard is from yours.

 

[MattK]

Those beetles must be of Russian origin

The reason they are attracted to alcohol is damaged and decaying wood can produce ethanol gas as it decomposes.