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Maple Woodpecker Damage: Safe Insecticide for Pets

A 30-year-old maple in Oklahoma has 40–50 woodpecker holes leaking sap after ice storm damage. Sapsuckers drill for insects. Spray Merit (imidacloprid) on trunk—absorbs into bark, rain won't wash it off. Safe for dogs: imidacloprid is used in pet flea treatments (Advantage). LD50 higher than table salt. No risk from trunk application.

Pet Safety

Imidacloprid used in dog/cat flea products.
Trunk spray minimal exposure.
Concentration negligible if washed off.

Trees: Sapsucker Damage on a Young Tree: What to Do; Ginkgo Bark Torn by Machinery: Clean the Wound and Monitor; Woodpecker Damage on Oak: What It Means and How to Respond; Magnolia Bark Damage from Trailer: Clean and Monitor; Rabbit Bark Damage on Young Pear Tree: Treatment and Prevention; Deer Bark Stripping on Young Saucer Magnolia: Recovery Steps; Car Impact on Maple: Bark Stripping Repair and Borer Prevention; Dog Rope Girdled Young Maple: Assess Cambium, Prevent Borers; Sapsucker Holes Don't Cause Scale Insects; Lawn Mower Damage to Young Maple: Wound Care Steps

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