Landscape and Nursery - Ambrosia Beetles

The ambrosia beetle, Xylosanrus germanus, is showing up in a wider range of plant material. Be on the watch for this pest as it can be very damaging, especially in nurseries. The following is a report from the University of Maryland.

University of Maryland Extension personnel have found Ambrosia beetles in London plane, river birch, zelkova, dogwood, sugar maple, sweet bay magnolia, Styrax and now golden rain trees. We Be sure you examine the trees in your nursery for the characteristic pencil-like thread of wood and frass projecting from your trees.


Top picture ambrosia beetle, bottom picture, characteristic damage.

Control: The beetles of the first generation are in the larval stage at this time. You can apply Onyx or Astro now to try and control the second generation that will come out at the end of June. There will already be damage from the first generation of beetles.

Information from the May 30, 2008 edition of the TPM/IPM Weekly Report for Arborists, Landscape Managers & Nursery Managers from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.