PINE BEETLE REPELLENT -

NOW IS THE TIME

A great start date for Montana is the first week of July!

The Pine Beetle is the most destructive forest pest in North America. The current pine beetle epidemic is the largest insect infestation in North American history.

Verbenone and how it works.

Beetles and other insects communicate using pheromones. Verbenone – a synthetic pheromone treatment for high value pine trees – replicates the beetle pheromone, sending a message that the tree is full and that the food supply is insufficient for additional beetles. Arriving beetles receive the ‘message’ that they should look elsewhere for a suitable host.

Does Verbenone really work?

Verbenone has been used as part of integrated pest management programs (IPM) for more than a decade. Many studies show that areas treated with Verbenone, as part of an IPM program, fare significantly better than those that are not.

How safe is Verbenone?

Verbenone is environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and even the beetles themselves. Always follow the instructions provided.

How to use Verbenone.

Staple or nail the Verbenone pouch 7 feet high (2m) on the north face of the tree just prior to beetle flight season which is end of July through September in Montana.  To attach the pouch to the trees prior to July will lessen the effect of the pouch.   Each box includes two pouches of Verbenone.

• If you are fortunate to live on acreage, apply the Verbenone on as accurate a grid pattern as possible, 35-40 foot grids are about right.  Use more if MPB pressure is high.  It’s ok to put the pouches on other objects or species of trees in an effort to maintain the grid.  Other indicators of attack are frass (boring dust and beetle poop), fading of the tree starting in the crown and possibly birds attracted to the larvae under the bark of the tree.
• Monitor your trees closely, watch for change and learn about MPB
• Keep your trees healthy, water thoroughly and regularly
• Remove green attack….this is critical to your success
• Use Verbenone on larger properties not every tree needs to be treated
• A light application of a slow release fertilizer is a good idea
• Consider the use of the broad spectrum insecticide Carbaryl for high value trees
• Dispose of infested trees properly.  Burning or chipping is the most common

 CLOSING AT 2PM —- JULY 4TH

       HOURS     

Monday-Saturday 9-6  •   Sunday 10-4

2010

COLOR OF THE YEAR: TURQUOISE

Pair Turquoise with any of these other top 10 pantone picks for 2010:

-Tomato Puree (this season’s classic red)

-Amparo Blue (brighter & more energetic than the typical spring navy)

-Violet (lends a romantic air to the warm weather palette)

-Aurora Yellow (A slightly greenish yellow reminiscent of the first glimpse of sunrise)

- Fusion Coral (an inviting orange)

- Pink Champagne (delicate and wipsy)

- Tuscany (a warm beige hue that works well as a solid base color with Fusion Coral or Violet)

- Dried Herb (the ultimate green neutral)

- Eucalyptus (the eternal, practical gray)

MUST HAVE PLANT : PRETTY MUCH PICASSO