Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does imidacloprid aid in eradicating ALB?

A. When applied to susceptible host plants, imidacloprid can reduce beetle populations and contain the spread of ALB from currently infested areas of Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. By doing so, many valuable ornamental and urban trees will be spared damage and loss.

Q. What previous tests have been done using this insecticide to control ALB?

A. USDA and Chinese researchers conducted lab and field tests both in China and the United States. The testing of possible insecticides with systemic activity against wood-boring beetles showed that imidacloprid was the most effective. The testing indicated that imidacloprid was effective against adult beetles as they feed on small twigs, and young larvae as they feed beneath the bark.

Q. How will these treatments affect the environment?

A. The precise placement of injection treatments and the security employed to ensure precision during applications preclude many potentially adverse environmental effects. The environment is minimally affected because imidacloprid residues are restricted to the tree and tree root area. Some nontarget insects could be affected by these treatments, but the effects are anticipated to be temporary. Wildlife is not expected to be affected.

Q. Can this insecticide help trees already infested with the beetle?

A. The effectiveness of imidacloprid injections on already infested trees is not known at this time. Additional research on imidacloprid and other tools and methods for eradication, trapping, and surveying are being assessed. Scientists continue to monitor results of this research to determine if this treatment can help already infested trees. Under current conditions, all infested trees will be removed and destroyed.

Q. Are tree or soil injections used to treat any other pests or disease?

A. Both tree and soil injections are used to apply fertilizers and other insecticides. Pests targeted by these treatments include Japanese beetles, elm leaf beetles, mealybugs, thrips, leafhoppers, whiteflies, and aphids. In addition, tree injection applications are used to treat Dutch elm disease, anthracnose, woolly adelgid in hemlocks, and oak wilt.

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