Bugs Bug Readers — and Their Trees

Bugs Bug Readers — and Their Trees

In the last issue of the eZine, in Rob’s editorial, he reported on the USDA’s effort to make August “Tree Check Month” in looking for Asian longhorned beetles (and, in the words of his headline, to “Tell Longhorns: Hit the Trail.”)

We heard from some readers who have had their own experiences with “bad bugs.” – Editor

“You know, up here in Canada, we have been dealing with these pest for quite some time. They have destroyed our pine, ash, maple trees. They are now heading for our white and black (red) oak trees. The worst part about it all is our government is not helping us to get rid of these pests. I wish you luck and I hope you do well in your encounters with these pests.” – Delbert Crawford

“I live in southeast Missouri. Six years ago, I discovered that ugly ‘bug’ infestation in a poplar tree. Not knowing what it was, I captured it and set out to find out what it was. After positive identification, I contacted Missouri Dept of Natural Resources to inform them since their public information said it wasn’t in this area. After two hours on the phone, I finally gave up after I was informed ‘only DNR personnel can identify a new infestation,’ and since I don’t work for them that couldn’t be what it was. It has since killed two more of my trees. Is there anything that can kill this thing?” – Mike Murphy

Mike (and others) may want to read the portions of the FAQ on the USDA Asian longhorned beetle FAQ page about “Is there an effective treatment to control or destroy these pests?” and “Can we really get rid of the ALB?” (The short answer appears to be: yes, but it’s too late to save an already infected tree.) – Editor

“This is very interesting. When I was working in California’s Central Valley, we had a bridge building project that ran over a million dollars and over a year late because there was an elderberry bush close to the project. Destroying this ‘potential’ habitat for the longhorn elderberry beetle was a serious crime in those parts, yet its cousin is the scourge of the forests of the Pacific Northwest and the South Atlantic regions. It makes you really wonder about the right hand of the government knowing that there is even a left hand.” – Henry McKay

Hint to Darken Solid and Plywood

Also, in response to last issue’s question and answer regarding Solid and Plywood Cherry Darkening at Different Rates, another reader provided this hint. – Editor

“If your plywood isn’t darkening as fast as solid wood, or vice/versa, give just the lighter pieces extra time in the sun (or lamp) to give it a head start on the other pieces. If the pieces are already assembled, mask off the darker areas then lay out to darken. It adds a little extra time, but it will balance out the colors without any tricky staining.” – Bill Marshall

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