Smart property owners can recognize wood rot and signs of infestation on their trees. Yet they may have less familiarity with agents of infestation, such as Ambrosia Beetles. Composed of species from Asia and Europe, this category of invasive beetles can damage your trees through their reproductive activities and ability to spread the laurel wilt tree disease. If you spot signs of tree rot or infestation, call Timber Works Tree Care for tree rot removal services as soon as possible.
A one-stop shop for all tree care needs, Timber Works serves residents and businesses of Chester Gap, VA, and the surrounding region. Our team provides services that customers trust, backed by thorough knowledge and cutting-edge landscaping equipment. As an added benefit to clients, we cover our teams with Workers’ Comp and liability insurance in case of accidents. For more information or a free project estimate, call us today at (540) 692-9606.
Below, we detail the habits and dangers of Ambrosia Beetles:
Overview
Along with stump grinding and emergency tree removal services, Timber Works offers tree care education to customers. We want to ensure you recognize common tree pests and diseases so you can better protect your property and know when to call in professionals.
Invasive species, however, present a unique challenge. They may appear without warning and damage environments more than native species. Ambrosia Beetles fit this description in all their varieties. The specific species spotted in Virginia and the Carolinas include Xylosandrus crassiusculus (from Asia), Xylosandrus germanus (from Japan), and Xyleborinus saxeseni (from Europe).
Uncommon among bark-dwelling beetles, Ambrosia Beetles burrow directly into the wood of host trees and lay their eggs therein. They also coat the walls of their “tunnel” with a fungus, which their larvae then feed on as they develop. Adult females grow to about 2 mm long while males are somewhat smaller. Males, however, never leave the tunnels they were born in—females seek them out and find trees to bore into.
Common Tree Targets
As we have mentioned before, every pest prefers infesting certain tree species, and Ambrosia Beetles fit this pattern. Moreover, they tend to choose trees weakened by disease, drought, or another factor over both dead or healthy trees (though exceptions exist).
Ambrosia Beetles attack ornamental, fruit, and nut trees, particularly during the spring. Xylosandrus crassiusculus, in particular, are drawn to native Virginia tree species including:
- Dogwood (Cornus)
- Redbud (Cercis)
- Maple (Acer)
- Ornamental cherry (Prunus)
- Pecan (Carya)
- Persimmon (Diospyros)
- Oak (Quercus)
- Elm (Ulmus)
Preventing Ambrosia Beetle Infestations
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) lists Ambrosia Beetles as a “detected” species infesting trees in the southeastern US. While this department regulates the importation of goods that can carry invasive species (such as lumber), they must also fight infestations in the wild.
APHIS works with regional and state governments to mitigate outbreaks of Ambrosia Beetles and prevent their further spread. Nevertheless, doing so requires vigilance from ordinary residents and quick action when an infestation is detected.
Defending Your Trees Against Ambrosia Beetles
You, too, should keep an eye on your trees for signs of rot and infestation. We frequently discuss the importance of regular tree inspection, and checking for invasive insects should be part of that routine. In addition to symptoms of tree rot and disease, watch out for tell-tale “toothpick” strands hanging off trees. Ambrosia Beetles create these when excavating spaces in trunks to lay eggs.
Should you detect an infestation, act quickly. While Timber Works’ arborists can sometimes save infested trees, they can certainly protect the other trees on your property through emergency tree removal. Once mature, female Ambrosia Beetles fly from their host tree to new nearby trunks to restart the reproduction process. Therefore, infested trees must be removed before the pests can spread.
Experts in Tree Rot Removal Available Now in Chester Gap, VA
While an invasive species can attack your trees without warning, you can seek professional tree rot removal to eliminate their threat. Turn to Timber Works Tree Care for such help in Chester Gap, VA, and the surrounding area. Our tree care experts can inspect your property’s trees and determine how to support their growth and beauty. Moreover, we provide Workers’ Comp and liability insurance to our team so you can rest easy during their difficult and dangerous projects. For a free estimate or to schedule your service, call us today at (540) 692-9606 or visit us online!
