Sapsucker Damage, Bagworms, and Lumber Preservation: Multi-Issue Tree & Wood Care

A Tennessee/Mississippi landowner faces three issues: rows of holes in fruit/nut trees, bagworm infestations, and questions about preserving untreated lumber for a ham radio tower and pine pavilion posts.

Sapsucker Holes

Evenly spaced horizontal rows of ¼-inch holes = yellow-bellied sapsucker (woodpecker). They drill for sap, then eat insects attracted to it. Not harmful to tree health. Deter with sticky repellent (Tanglefoot) on trunk or wrap hardware cloth. Insecticide on holes kills attracted insects, discouraging return.

Bagworms vs. Webworms

• Bagworms (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis): Small spindle-shaped bags on branches; larvae inside. Hand-pick bags in winter. Spray Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in June when larvae are small.
• Fall webworms (Hyphantria cunea): Large silken tents on branch tips in late summer. Prune out tents; spray Bt or spinosad if needed.
• Eastern tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum): Tents in branch crotches in spring. Remove egg masses in winter; spray Bt at bud break.

Lumber Preservation

Radio Tower (2×6, above ground)

Thompson's WaterSeal + fiberglass/resin wrap may yield 5–10 years if no ground contact. Better: Use copper naphthenate (e.g., Copper Green) on all surfaces before assembly. Ensure end-grain sealing.

Pine Pavilion Posts (standing dead trees)

Do not use dead standing pines. They decay in 2–3 years. Park posts are pressure-treated (CCA, ACQ, or creosote). Options:

• Buy pressure-treated rounds (8×8 or 10×10).
• Peel, treat with borate (Tim-bor) + copper naphthenate, set in concrete with post base.
• Use metal posts with wood veneer for aesthetics.

Invest in proper materials—structural failure risks far outweigh lumber savings.