The Pine Beetle is the most destructive forest pest in North America.
The Canadian Forest Service describes the current pine beetle epidemic as the largest insect infestation in North American history.
Verbenone and how it works.
Beetles and other insects communicate using pheromones. Verbenone – a synthetic pheromone treatment for high value pine trees – replicates the beetle pheromone, sending a message that the tree is full and that the food supply is insufficient for additional beetles. Arriving beetles receive the ‘message’ that they should look elsewhere for a suitable host.
Does Verbenone really work?
Verbenone has been used as part of integrated pest management programs (IPM) for more than a decade. Many studies show that areas treated with Verbenone, as part of an IPM program, fare significantly better than those that are not.
How safe is Verbenone?
Verbenone is environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and even the beetles themselves. Always follow the instructions provided.
How to use Verbenone.
Staple or nail the first Verbenone pouch 7 feet high (2m) on the north face of the tree just prior to beetle flight season. Verbenone is most effective when used on a grid pattern. Deploy pouches at 35 per acre depending on beetle pressure. When deploying at 35 per acre it works out to a 35 foot grid. It’s okay to place Verbenone pouches on another tree species or object to maintain grid pattern. Each retail box includes two pouches of Verbenone.
Where can I purchase Verbenone?
Contech's Verbenone Pine Beetle Repellent can be purchased at many fine retailers in Canada and the USA. View Retailers (PDF 20K) For wholesale, call Contech directly at 800.767.8658
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Contech’s Mountain Pine Beetle Repellent contains the pheromone verbenone that prevents attacks by the mountain pine beetle on all varieties of pine trees. When present in sufficient concentration, verbenone signals incoming beetles that the target tree is already infested. The result is that the beetles are forced to fly elsewhere making them vulnerable to natural predators.
Where to Use?
Contech’s Mountain Pine Beetle Repellent should be used anywhere with high value pine trees such as:
- forests
- municipal and shade belt areas
- campgrounds
- golf courses
- parks and parkways
- residential properties
- farms
When to Use?
Deploy Contech’s Mountain Pine Beetle Repellent just prior to beetle flight. In most high elevation locations, significant beetle flight begins mid July. Treatment in high elevations should begin during the first week of July.
For lower elevations like the Okanagan Valley, and areas with hotter than average temperatures, sometimes 2 applications are necessary.
For more information on when, where and how to use Verbenone, email our forestry expert Don Fowler or conact by phone at 778-240-5277, toll free 800.767.8658 ext 157.