Preventing Xylosandrus crassiusculus Beetle Attack in Large Green Timbers Using Pyrethroid Dip Treatments

IRG/WP 08-10642

C Schauwecker, A F Preston, J J Morrell

Although awareness about the risk of invasive species has increased over the past decade, a large number of highly destructive exotic pests are still being introduced around the world. One of the more important pest introductions in the Southeastern United States has been the Asian ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus. This species is particularly important because of its ability to kill living hardwoods. This beetle also attacks low value hardwood products that are shipped out of the region, creating the risk of further spread. Accepted phytosanitary treatments such as bark removal, heating or fumigation, are not effective against X. crassiusculus because the adults do not require bark for ovi-positioning and they can reinfest materials after heating or fumigant treatment. One possibility for preventing attack is to dip timbers in insecticidal solutions shortly after cutting; however, there is little data on the efficacy of this treatment option. In this report, we describe field trials of synthetic pyrethroids on hardwood species used for railway ties (sleepers). The results showed that dip treatment sharply reduced, but did not completely eliminate the risk of beetle attack. Recommendations are provided for making this process more effective.


Keywords: Xylosandrus crassiusculus, Asian ambrosia beetle, hardwoods, permethrin, bifenthrin, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate

Conference: 08-05-25/29, Istanbul, Turkey


Download document (75 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document