Beech tree with white fungus whiskers.

[BooRad]

Looked at two beech trees this afternoon.... foliage looked cooked, and then these white fungus whiskers shooting from the trunk .....??? Thanks.

 

[JD3000]

Ambrosia beetles, type of bark beetle

 

[Z'sTrees]

Get it down asap. These beech trees go downhill and turn sketchy quick, we've been ravaged in the last few years.

 

[BooRad]

Thanks all. I'm in Morris County, NJ. Something I should report?

 

[Chaplain242]

Can you use a milk/flour solution to jam their guts up? Or use Boric acid paste as a toxic barrier?

 

[JD3000]

Borer rates of pyrethroids are the only labeled control I'm aware of. Has to be on early though, once they're in it's no bueno

 

[oldoakman]

That is quite the infestation (sorry Balitmore). You should send that to the entomology dept at Princeton.

 

[BooRad]

Trees are down and loaded.....ok for firewood?

Thanks again.

 

[oldoakman]

Should be. Makes great firewood too.

 

[cerviarborist]

I know that for infestations of ambrosia beetles causing Laurel Wilt in bay trees, we're advised against transporting the wood for any distance as it's a vector for further infestation. Neither the beetle larvae nor their symbiont fungal associate are viable once passed through a chipper. I know that this is probably a different species of ambrosia beetle, nevertheless It might be a good idea to check with your local extension office to get their recommendations on disposal of infected/infested wood debris for your area.

 

[JD3000]

Not a bad idea just in case. Our beech dont need more problems than they already have

 

[guymayor]

Great talk at ISA yesterday on laurel wilt. Bottom line: Propocanizole remains the only control; paclobutrazol just delays it.

The beetles look like a scavenger on that beech.