There are several caterpillars that feed on oaks including the California oak worm and the tussock moth. Both of these feed on oak leaves, primarily in the spring, but can be active as second generation insects in the early summer or early fall. Leaves will appear skeletonized in the early stages and then completely consumed as larvae mature.
Treat with TREE-äge® Insecticide
Trees that are in known areas of infestation can be treated preventatively in the early spring with TREE-äge using rates according to the diameter at breast height at least 4-6 weeks prior to activity. Use TREE-äge before buds break in early spring to provide two years of protection. One application is sufficient to control leaf chewing caterpillars.
Knock-down Oak Worms with ACE-jet
ACE-jet is also to be used in the early spring before outbreak is expected. ACE-jet is a quick knock-down broad spectrum insecticide that produces a beneficial health response in the tree as it metabolizes into phosphorous and sulfur. It is effective against caterpillars, scale, agelids, thrips, boring beetles and spider mites. Due to its fast acting formula, larvae in treated trees will immediately stop feeding and fall from the tree within hours.
The One-Two Punch for Current Infestations
Trees with current canopy infestations should be treated with ACE-jet for rapid response and then sequentially with TREE-äge for two years control.
Boost with NutriRoot™
Encourage water retention of trees in naturalized areas that may have low soil moisture by using a soil surfactant such as NutriRoot™. In combination with watering, NutriRoot™ will ensure deeper water penetration into the root system which results in better translocation of the systemic insecticide.
Do you have questions about the best way to treat your Oak worm problem? Contact us!
©2015 Arborjet, Inc. Important: Always read and follow label instructions. Some crop protection products may not be registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Please check with your state or local extension service to ensure registration status. TREE-äge® Insecticide is a Restricted Use Pesticide and must only be sold to and used by a state certified applicator or by persons under their direct supervision. TREE-äge® is a registered trademark of Arborjet, Inc.