Property owners who are concerned about the negative environmental effects of common pest management practices, are turning in greater numbers to non-toxic products to protect their valuable pine trees from the beetle infestation that is ravaging parts of the Western United States and Canada.

The demand for non-toxic products has increased steadily over the last few years as more is learned about the negative effects of pesticides. The most common pine beetle treatment, carbaryl (sold under the brand name Sevin), has just been added to California’s list of chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Carbaryl is routinely sprayed on trees to protect them from pine beetles and other pests. It is toxic to honey bees and should not be used near streams, rivers, or water sources.

Verbenone--a synthetic version of a naturally occurring beetle pheromone—has been used for more than a decade in the fight against the pine beetle. Verbenone is environmentally friendly and non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and even the beetles themselves.

“As a parent, I’ve always been concerned about the chemicals that surround us on a day-to-day basis,” said Heather Hatwan, a community organizer in Nederland, CO—an area that has been hit hard by the pine beetle. “I live in a pristine area with people who have an appreciation for nature. We don’t want our kids, pets and the wildlife exposed to extra chemicals.”

Compared to other preventative measures, verbenone is also easy to use. The first repellent pouches should be stapled or nailed seven feet high on the tree, just prior to the beetle flight season (early to mid-July, depending upon location and temperature). A second application in late August may be necessary.

A box of verbenone pine beetle repellent (two pouches per box) retails for approximately $34.99. Bulk prices are available for groups like those Hatwan represents.

“As a concerned member of my small community, I feel obligated to ensure that every option to protect our trees and the environment is looked at,” Hatwan said. “I’ve been talking to people about the idea of a co-operative approach to the beetle issue and the more information I get on safe alternatives, the more compelled I am to do something.”

For more information contact:

Tracey Robertson
Media Relations
Contech Enterprises Inc.
250.413.3250 ext 139
1.800.767.8658
tracey.robertson@contech-inc.com

About Contech

Contech is a designer and provider of animal control and wellness products and non-toxic pest management products for home and garden, forestry, landscape, agriculture, and commercial applications. Safe and effective solutions such as the ScareCrow® motion-activated sprinkler continue to reinforce the company’s reputation as a leading innovator in the pet and garden industries.