How to Kill Wood Borers in Red Oak Trees
Oak trees can be found around the world, spreading their wide branches to provide shade, acorns in the fall, and a foundation for climbing or hanging swings. However, these large trees can be attacked and defoliated by the smallest of creatures. One is the wood-boring beetle and its caterpillar, or worm, larvae. Signs of trouble on the oak include obvious damage to the rich red wood, decreased growth in the crown, and dead wood or branches. If you have beetles in your red oak tree, take some immediate steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Spray your infected red oak tree with the pesticide as an immediate treatment. Pesticide will not kill any larvae that have burrowed into the tree, but it will kill any adult beetles and the larvae or caterpillars on the outside of the tree. Killing adults and any exposed larvae will disrupt the reproductive cycle of the beetles and discourage future generations of wood-boring worms.
-
2
Use the pruning shears to remove any damaged limbs or foliage. Dead wood could be harboring additional worms and wood beetles. Clean up any fallen limbs and dead wood lying around the red oak tree, as those could also harbor worms and beetles.
-
-
3
Keep your red oak tree healthy by looking out for its needs at all times. Wood-boring beetles and their tunneling larvae generally attack trees that are already weak and vulnerable. Keeping the tree strong will prevent future infestations and damage. The red oak should be in an area that gets plenty of sun and has good drainage. Maintain consistent watering and use the fertilizer to help the tree's nutrition.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider hanging bird feeders in your red oak tree to attract more birds, which are natural predators of beetles and caterpillars. They will disrupt the life span and reproductive cycle of the beetles.
Trees that are unhealthy will be repeatedly attacked by wood-boring worms and other insects.
Pesticides could kill beneficial insects and damage your tree.
