The control strategy provides a means to significantly reduce ALB populations by targeting the area into which the pest is most likely to naturally disperse from an outbreak site.
Infested trees: Remove ALB-infested host material. Presence of oviposition sites or exit holes indicates infestation.
Control zone: Remove or chemically treat all ALB host material up to ½ mile radius of infested hosts.
Hosts: For control purposes, hosts include Acer spp., Aesculus spp., Albizia julibrissan, Betula spp, Celtis spp, Cercidiphyllum spp., Fraxinus, spp., Platanus spp., Populus spp., Salix spp., Sorbus spp., and Ulmus spp.
Rationale for minimum radius:
Managers may conduct control activities beyond the minimum depending upon the detection data and the degree of infestation. For example, where there is a large established core with several satellite detections beyond the minimum radius, a manager may want to conduct control activities in the area between the core and the satellite detections.
Any decision to reduce the scope of control actions will be made in consultation with the project director and cooperators.
The decision between removing and chemically treating host trees depends upon specific characteristics of the site or area. Onsite managers in conjunction with the program director and cooperators will determine the most appropriate activity based on social, biological, environmental, and economic concerns. Considerations:
It is recommended that the roots of host material be removed to a minimum of 9 inches below ground level. Any aboveground roots of a half inch or more in diameter should also be removed.
Host material should be chipped or burned. Chipped material must be no larger than 1 inch in two dimensions. Host material that is not chipped may be moved to an approved burning site with proper safeguards: vehicles must be tarped or covered to prevent spillage, an emergency spill plan with contact numbers must be carried by the driver, and host material may be held no longer than 24 hours at the burn site prior to burning.
All pesticides should be used according to their label instructions.
1. Soil or trunk injection of insecticides:
Imidacloprid, a chemical with systemic properties and low mammalian toxicity, has been found to be effective against adult ALB as it feeds on small twigs, the female when depositing eggs, and young larvae. This insecticide is formulated for soil and trunk applications from a number of sources. The contractor/applicator and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) must have all pesticide and 2(ee) labels (if required by the state) at all times during treatment. Label instructions for application must be strictly adhered to as well as all environmental and safety requirements. Proper spill cleanup material must be on site at all times. Treatments are typically made in early spring, in order to allow the insecticide to be taken up and distributed throughout the tree so as to be most effective during the ALB emergence and flight period. Soil treatments can take up to 3 months before sufficient levels are observed in target plant tissues.
2. General pesticide use:
When applying pesticides, phytotoxicity (damage to the target plant) can occur and should be checked on a limited number (1-3 plants per species) of specimens before treating large numbers of trees. The various species can react differently to the pesticide.
Before using any pesticide, always read the entire label and follow all instructions. Make sure the material is registered for your specific use in the area where you plan to treat - in some cases exemptions may be needed before using a product in ALB programs. Make sure all human and animal safety guidelines are strictly followed. Make sure all environmental guidelines are strictly followed and adhere to restrictions regarding the use of insecticides near wetlands and bodies of water. Adhere to state and local requirements. Dispose of any empty containers as per label instructions.
1. When ALB host material is treated the following data will be recorded:
2. When ALB host material is removed the following data will be recorded: