Q.
I don’t like what I’m reading about Imidacloprid (frequently found in borer
control insecticides) and wanted to know if there is a better insecticide that
won’t harm bees.
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| Bayers Tree and Shrub Insect Control insecticide is one of many insecticides approved by the USEPA for killing some borers, like Emerald Ash Borer (not currently found in Nevada). |
A.
You are talking about an ingredient (tiny letters on the label under active ingredients) found in
several different products rather than an actual product name (big letters) found
on the label. The actual or product name might be “Merit” for commercial
applicators and “Bayer Tree and Shrub Spray” for homeowners but also many others
Some Countries Banned It
As a “class” of insecticides, the neonicotinoids are the most used group of manufactured insecticides in the world. Insecticides containing imidcloprid have
been banned for use in some countries due to accumulated evidence. That particular ingredient is still
approved for use in the United States but has faced a lot of environmental
problems and may be eliminated in the future. It has been implicated in the
death of some pollinators like honeybees when visiting the pollen contained in
open flowers.
How to Apply it Safely
The label information for these types of
products gives you a clue about how to apply it properly. If you must use this
product, apply it to plants after they have finished flowering. This helps
prevent the transmission of this ingredient to pollinators.
Alternatives
At this particular time I don’t know of
any insecticide available or permitted for use that has the same potential for
controlling borers as imidacloprid. Its major advantage is also, potentially,
its disadvantage; it is a long-lived systemic insecticide that can potentially
be harbored in flowers, fruit produced and plant parts for up to 12 months. The
only other option I know that can work is the digging of these problem insects
from infested trees as they are seen.
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| Borers can be removed from an infested limb with a sharp, sanitized knife. |