By Nicholas Ray
Fayette County Extension Office

It’s Monday morning. My heart sinks as I read through another e-mail with a theme too similar to three others of the previous week. I grasp the phone while trying to think of a diplomatic way to tell the writer that she will have to massacre her prize possession. It wouldn’t be so bad if it were just a red standard, but no; she paid almost $900.00 for this specimen, a 5’ dissectum, Red Dragon Japanese Maple.

The conversation is typical. She asks if there is anyway to save the precious sapling. I cannot help her save this specimen. It will be dead soon. However, she can shield her other trees against attack.

The owner of the plant had a problem that was unheard of several years ago until the beetles were introduced through shipping pallets in Charleston, South Carolina. What is this diabolical pest? It is the Ambrosia Beetle.

You can see this problem amongst small landscape trees this time of year. There is no cure once the beetles attack. However, an once of prevention will save a lot of heartache. You see, the problem is not the beetles themselves, even though they do damage the trees, but the fungal crony which hitchhikes on the beetle. In attacking a young tree, the beetles infect it with the Ambrosia fungus which is more efficient than Round-Up © in terminating the sapling’s life. The following are a few facts that help with prevention:

• The adult ambrosia beetles are most active in the spring and early summer, but feed year round.

• They prefer weak or stressed trees as well as smooth bark specimens like Crape Myrtles, Japanese Maples, Dogwoods, Redbuds, and Cherries.

• Once they attack the tree is as good as dead. Even if it still has green leaves, cut it down and destroy it!

• Pyrethroid insecticide applications such as permethrin bifenthrin to the trunks of surrounding plants may help reduce infestations. Up to four applications of a residual chemical, repeated ever six to eight weeks may be necessary to stop an infestation.

• They normally attack smaller trees 1-4” in diameter.

• Be sure to monitor the trees this time of year, and look for a sawdust like substance which the beetles push from inside the trunk

Knowing these tips and using preventative measures, you should be able to prevent infestation in your gardens. If you would like further information on Ambrosia Beetles go to http://www.bugwood.org/factsheets/99-010.html . Also, you may call the Fayette County Extension Office at 770-460-5730 ext 5412 or 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

Keep your garden green and healthy this summer.