Can chemicals (insecticides) be used to control southern pine beetle, especially in yard trees?
The only chemical registered for pine beetle is Dursban. The chemical is sprayed on the surface of the tree at weekly intervals to deter the attack of pine beetle. However, once the pine beetle is inside the tree, the chemical is ineffective. Some chemical salesmen are suggesting that tree injections will control the beetle. First and foremost is that the chemical suggested for injection is not registered for control of southern pine beetle. Second, research has not shown whether tree injection is effective or not. Most injections will put the chemical in the xylem of the tree where the chemical is spread by water transport. However, the larvae develop in the innerbark of the tree where the chemical does not reside. Tree injected chemicals are not recommended at this time.
