Controlling Pine Tree Beetles and Peach Tree Borers in 1946

By F.H. Jeter, Extension Editor, N.C. State College, Raleigh, as published in the Wilmington Star, October 14, 1946

Mecklenburg farmers have become alarmed over the presence of the pine beetle in their farm woodlands. This is a serious pest, and the W.D. (Peavine) Reynolds says it seems to be spreading. This tiny beetle kills healthy, vigorous pines of all ages and of all kinds coming within its range. It attacks the middle and upper portions of the trees, destroying the soft inner bark through which the tree gets its nourishment, and sometimes it seems that the weather has a lot to do with its spread.

For instance, after abnormally dry weather, such as occurred in Mecklenburg this summer, the pine beetle will be found to spread rapidly. Then, when the drouth is broken by normal or heavy rainfall, the beetles disappear. Low winter temperatures also will hold them in check, but forestry authorities say that this little pest is responsible for more periodic devastation of southern pine trees than any other ting. In one single epidemic, it has killed more than $2 million worth of trees.

There is no way, known now, to poison the pest and the best way in which to control the pest is to take out any dead or broken trees. If trees should become damaged in summer by lightening or windstorms, it would be well to remove the trees, destroying the limbs and tops, and knock the bark off the stump so that the beetle cannot get a start in your pines. This is good insurance in all parts of the state.

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By F.H. Jeter, Extension Editor, N.C. State College, Raleigh, as published in the Wilmington Star, October 21, 1946

Eastern Carolina peach orchard owners have begun to treat their trees for the borer. It is in this treatment administered in October that the peach tree borers are killed before they can do much damage to the trees. Growers are using both Pdbenzene or Ethelene dichloride and both of these materials can be secured at the local drug store. The material should be used according to directions given on the package and is applied on the ground near the truck of the tree. Then two or three shovels of dirt should be mounded over the chemical so that the fumes will spread through the ground and kill the borers.

Dr. Clyde F. Smith, associate entomologist of the Experiment Station, has prepared an interesting little publication telling exactly how to control these peach tree borers. The booklet is well illustrated and those peach tree growers who may desire a copy can get one free of charge on application to the Agriculture Editor at State College.