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Sapsucker Damage on Curly Willow: Insecticide Treatment Over Burlap

8-year-old curly willow in MN attacked by sapsucker woodpecker (grid of holes). Owner wrapped trunk in burlap; beetles found underneath.

Why Burlap Fails

Woodpeckers peck through burlap.
Burlap heats bark in summer — damaging.
Creates shelter for beetles/other pests.

Effective Solution

Spray holes and bark with common insecticide (e.g., Raid ant spray). Sapsuckers drill holes → sap attracts insects → birds return to eat insects. Kill the insects, birds lose food source and leave.

Remove burlap immediately.

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