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How to Get Rid of Bark Beetles

How to Get Rid of Bark Beetles

Bark beetles are small, but their impact on trees can be devastating. These insects burrow into the bark,…

Aug 14,2024

Bark beetles are small, but their impact on trees can be devastating. These insects burrow into the bark, laying eggs and causing significant damage. If left unchecked, a bark beetle infestation can cause irreversible deterioration and tree removal emergencies, threatening your landscape and the environment. Sesmas Tree Service understands the threats these vermin pose and provides professional services to ensure your trees remain healthy. Let's explore effective methods to get rid of bark beetles to help you make informed decisions about the well-being of your landscape.

How to Get Rid of Bark Beetles

Identifying Bark Beetle Infestations

The first step in combating bark beetles is to identify their presence. Look for small, round exit holes on the tree's bark, sawdust-like frass near the base, and fading foliage. Early detection is crucial, increasing the chances of successfully treating the infestation. If you notice these signs, consult professional arborists and take action before the damage becomes irreversible.

Pruning Infected Branches

Another effective way to manage a bark beetle infestation is hiring tree service providers to prune infected branches. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, carefully remove the infested parts of the tree, ensuring that you cut well below the affected area. Also, burn or adequately dispose of the pruned branches to prevent the beetles from spreading to other trees. This method is effective in the early stages of infestation, but full-blown infestations may require the expertise of a trusted tree care company.

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Applying Insecticides

Insecticides can be a powerful tool in the fight against bark beetles, especially when the infestation is more widespread. Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the tree and distributed throughout its tissues, killing beetles inside the tree. On the other hand, contact insecticides can be applied to the bark to prevent new beetles from burrowing in. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and consult tree service providers to ensure the best results.

Implementing Preventative Measures

Preventing a bark beetle infestation is often easier than dealing with an active one. Healthy trees are less susceptible to beetle attacks, so focus on regular watering, mulching, and fertilization. Also, avoid unnecessary wounding, as stress and injuries increase susceptibility to infestation and tree removal emergencies. During peak beetle season, in spring and summer, hire a tree care company to apply the appropriate preventive insecticide treatments to vulnerable trees.

Removing Severely Infested Trees

In some cases, the infestation may be too severe. Complete tree removal may be the only way to protect surrounding trees in such cases. Cut down the infested tree and dispose of it properly by chipping, burning, or removing it entirely. This drastic measure can prevent the beetles from spreading to healthy trees and causing further damage.

Using Natural Predators

Nature has its way of controlling pest populations, and bark beetles are no exception. Introducing or encouraging natural predators of bark beetles, such as woodpeckers or parasitic wasps, can help keep their numbers in check. While this method may not be as immediate as others, it contributes to a balanced ecosystem and can be part of a long-term strategy for managing bark beetles.

Customer Reviews

3 large Leyland Cypress trees removed near front of our home. Excellent service, professional crew, very competitive pricing for superior work! Rolando provided the initial estimate and the  follow up and was the best in terms of customer relations. I'd both use this company again AND highly recommend them.

Susan Hitchcock

This is the 2nd time we have used Sesmas Tree Service. They are a wonderful company to deal with. They were on time, professional, and very thorough. They cleaned up prior to leaving and went out of their way to protect our plants and landscaping. And they kept to their proposal with no hidden cost or add ons. Definitely a five star experience!

Gene McFadden

Wow!  I deal with tree services in my professional work and I can honestly say Sesmas is by far the most professional, best equipped, efficient, safety conscious, and communicative service I've ever encountered.  Their price was very reasonable and they even went so far as to include additional work without increasing the price.  Call them!  Now! They are very quick to respond.

Scott McLendon

We've used Sesmas several times and have always received excellent service.  Estimates are quick and easy and the crew is efficient and leaves the property clean of debris.  Recently we needed a tree removed next to a heavily landscaped area.  Sebastian went over everything with me in detail and listened to my concerns.  The crew did an excellent job in removing the tree with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area.  We are pleased and will consider them again in the future for pruning and tree removal.

Tonia Griswold

Sesmas Tree Service was amazing! I had two dead trees cut and a lot of trees that were already down on my property removed. Sebastian came out and sent the quote in writing within 24 hours. We were in the process of scheduling the service when a slot opened up sooner snd I was able to go ahead and get the work done. Everything was explained ahead of time for what to expect. The crew was very efficient and professional.  All of the work and cleanup was done in one day. I would recommend Sesmas for your tree cutting/cleanup needs.

LaDora Woods

I hired Sesmas to cut down a very tricky tree that was hanging over my house as well as a few large limbs. They did a great job and had the machinery to get the job done right.

Perry Hartman

Great experience with Sesmas. They were meticulous with my tree removal, safe and efficient. David’s communication throughout the process was much appreciated. Highly recommend!

Lindsay Ellenburg

Great experience with Sesmas Tree Service. The arborist who came out was a Board Certified Master Arborist, and you could immediately tell he knew his stuff. He took the time to explain what needed to be done, gave us clear options, and helped us feel confident from start to finish. The whole process was easy and professional. We’ll definitely use them again.

Ed Martin

Bark beetles are a formidable foe, but with the right strategies, you can protect your trees from their destructive impact. Contact us at the Sesmas Tree Service and schedule routine inspections with certified arborists to stay vigilant and take action at the first signs of trouble to ensure the health and longevity of your trees.

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