Borers in Pin Oaks: Not from Pines, Stress Is Key

MO property: 50+ pin oaks with borers. Pines had pine wilt & Ips beetles (not removed fast). Wonders if pine beetles mutated to oaks.

No Cross-Over

Ips bark beetles (pine) DO NOT attack oaks. Insects are host-specific. Pine pests ≠ oak pests.

Oak Borers = Stress Response

• Borers attack stressed trees (drought, compacted soil, damage, disease).
• Your area likely had drought.

Treatment

• Spray bark with Onyx (bifenthrin) or Merit (imidacloprid) where borers entered.
• Fertilize: 10-10-10 at 1 lb/inch trunk diameter, water in (pre-rain ideal).
• Farm-scale: Too costly for all trees. Focus on high-value specimens.

Reduce stress where possible. Spray protects high-value oaks.