Verbenone Patches
Verbenone is an anti-aggregation pheromone that has been shown to reduce the likelihood of mountain pine beetle attack on lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees. Currently this pheromone is available in patches that are attached to trees just prior to beetle flight. The patches mimic a pheromone released by the beetles once a tree is successfully infested essentially sending a message to other beetles in the area that the tree is "full" and to move on to another tree. This often times will trick the beetles into not attacking the tree. Verbenone is a good tool that improves the chances of trees surviving mountain pine beetle attack in areas where beetle populations are low to moderate. It is the only management option for trees growing withing 50 feet of surface water, as spraying trees in this 50 foot buffer is prohibited by law. Effectiveness varies depending on beetle pressure and individual site characteristics. It is important to note that verbenone patches are not as effective as preventative spraying and in many instances it's use has failed to protect trees from pine beetle attack. Verbenone can be used for individual tree protection or can be applied in a grid pattern to protect stands of trees from infestation. There is more to using verbenone than simply stapling patches to a tree and hoping for the best. In order to maximize the effectiveness of verbenone, sight specific environmental conditions need to be evaluated prior to deciding the number, timing and placement of the patches. Verbenone is touted by its manufacturers as being a safe, environmentally friendly option for preventing mountain pine beetle damage. However, it is important to
remember that verbenone is a federally regulated pesticide, and should
be treated as such. In fact it is illegal for an individual or business
to sell verbenone, unless they hold a commercial pesticide dealers
license. Monture Creek Land Management is a licensed commercial pesticide dealer. We sell verbenone patches to property owners, consult individuals on the proper application of verbenone, and can perform the actual application of the pouches.
MCH Caps
MCH is an anti-aggregation pheromone that has been shown to
reduce the likelihood of douglas-fir beetle and spruce beetle attack on douglas fir and spruce trees. Currently this pheromone is available in bubble caps
that are attached to trees just prior to beetle flight. The bubble caps
mimic a pheromone released by the beetles once a tree is successfully
infested essentially sending a message to other beetles in the area that
the tree is "full" and to move on to another tree. At times, this
will trick the beetles into not attacking the tree. MCH is a good
tool that improves the chances of trees surviving douglas-fir and spruce beetle attack. Unlike verbenone, MCH has been shown to be very effective in preventing successful beetle attacks. MCH is easier to use than verbenone as they can be applied any time after February. Douglas-fir beetles fly earlier (generally throughout may) than mountain pine beetle so it is important to act early to prevent damage. Remember that MCH is a federally regulated pesticide, and should
be treated as such and that it is illegal for an individual or business
to sell MCH bubble caps, unless they hold a commercial pesticide dealers
license. Monture Creek Land Management is a licensed commercial
pesticide dealer and can sell MCH bubble caps to property owners,
consult individuals on the proper application of MCH, or perform
the actual application of the bubble caps.
