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These tips and trick are already throughout our site, but to make them easier to find, (and by popular demand) we have decided to add them to a new page If you have developed a new ‘tip’, that you can share, let us know and we will add it to this page with your name
1. Crack and Crevasses Attacking beetles prefer to bore into the crack and crevasses of trees, where the bark is thinnest. Don’t forget to check these carefully for signs of beetle infestation.
2. Clip Corners If you plan on using MCH for consecutive years, clip a corner so you can easily tell fresh bubbles from last years. The colored strip at the top of the Verbenone pouch changes from year to year, so it is a little easier to differentiate those.
3. MPB attacks on hybrid trees. Recently it has been noted that when all other trees are dead, Mountain pine beetle have been know to attack Lodgepole pine/Jackpine hybrids, and also Scotch pine, which are not the tree of choice for MPB.
4. Application timing for BeetleBlock™ Verbenone Our verbenone (not all the verbenone on the market is the same) has been designed to last the entire season. Make the most of your Verbenone by applying it just prior to MPB flight. Historically this is early to mid July in most areas. High elevations or unusual weather conditions are exceptions Call you local Forest Service office to determine when the flight is likely to start.
5. Application timing for BeetleBlock MCH. The membrane that encases MCH is a special plastic that releases best when the weather is warm. Conveniently, this is also when the Douglas-fir beetles fly. You can apply MCH at any time after February, while it may be easier to get around a snow covered forest. The bubble will start to release when the temperature warms.
6. Which side faces the tree? It does not matter which side faces the tree. Apply them any way you prefer. If you want to make the MCH pouch visible, put the white side facing out. If you want to camouflage the bubble, apply with the brown side out.
7. How do I tell if my tree will die? With a knife or small hatchet, peel back a bit of the bark. If the wood under the bark is moist and white, your tree may survive. If it is dry and brown, it has probably succumbed. Use this with caution as your tree does not need this additional stress.
8. Storage Yes, you can store your left over verbenone or MCH for next season. Use an airtight container, like a canning jar for small quantities or a new paint can and lid for larger quantities. Remember to keep the original (EPA) label in the container. Once sealed, just pop them into your freezer for next year.
9. Hundle Hammer If you have a lot of BeetleBlock™ to put up on trees, you can save yourself some trouble, buy making a ‘Hundle Hammer” Click here to see how you can make one
10. North side of the tree It has been observed that more beetle attacks occur on the north side of the tree, most likely because it is cooler and the beetle is less visible to predators in the shade.
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