Aspen beetle? - Ask Extension
We are in Durango, CO and just noticed damage to our aspen trees where the branches meet the trunk. There appear to be tubes covered in sawdust. Are t...
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Aspen beetle? #871404
Asked June 03, 2024, 6:40 PM EDT
We are in Durango, CO and just noticed damage to our aspen trees where the branches meet the trunk. There appear to be tubes covered in sawdust. Are these poplar beetles, and is there an organic approach to help the trees?
La Plata County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kathy,
This is a response from one of La Plata County Extension's Master Gardener's....hope this helps.
The two most likely causes of tunnels with with frass or sawdust on Populus tremuloides would be Carpenter worm, which is not very likely in our area, it's more a front range pest, or Poplar Borer which typically produces a moist stained area below the tunnel. Poplar Borer has a three year life cycle which makes control difficult because you have to catch them in the correct part of the life cycle. Injections of parasitic nematodes (Steinernema species) into the tunnels can be effective, as can sprays of the same nematode. The Adults are typically active on the trunk in July and August, although we are warmer than usual already so they may be active now. Insecticides containing a pyrethroid or carbaryl applied to the areas of the truck where the tunnels are found can be effective. (Clint Kearns)
A CSU Master Gardner booth is available for you to ask questions every Saturday during the Durango Farmers Market. Feel free to stop by.
If you would like to communicate with Clint, he has offered to share his email. Contact <personal data hidden> for more info.
This is a response from one of La Plata County Extension's Master Gardener's....hope this helps.
The two most likely causes of tunnels with with frass or sawdust on Populus tremuloides would be Carpenter worm, which is not very likely in our area, it's more a front range pest, or Poplar Borer which typically produces a moist stained area below the tunnel. Poplar Borer has a three year life cycle which makes control difficult because you have to catch them in the correct part of the life cycle. Injections of parasitic nematodes (Steinernema species) into the tunnels can be effective, as can sprays of the same nematode. The Adults are typically active on the trunk in July and August, although we are warmer than usual already so they may be active now. Insecticides containing a pyrethroid or carbaryl applied to the areas of the truck where the tunnels are found can be effective. (Clint Kearns)
A CSU Master Gardner booth is available for you to ask questions every Saturday during the Durango Farmers Market. Feel free to stop by.
If you would like to communicate with Clint, he has offered to share his email. Contact <personal data hidden> for more info.
