Question
I have a pin oak in my yard that every spring gets attacked by some insect.  The insect is probably a beetle; however, I have yet to identify the pest.  The insect bores into young branches approximately 8 mm and smaller.  I'm thinking it must develop while in the branch and then escape after maturing.  The problem is that the insect damages the branch to the point that it breaks at the point the insect bores in.  What makes it worse is that there are a lot of branches affected.  The tree is approximately 35 feet and the insect will attach at any height.

Do you have any idea what the culprit is and what can be done to eradicate it?

regards,
John Hill


Answer
Just not enough information to ID the insect causing the problem BUT borers and the like can be controlled with the use of an insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. This is a applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will pick it up and carry it to the trunk, branches and leaves and any insect that feed on the tree will be killed. This product will protect he tree all season. Here is a web link to this product check with your local garden type store for this product.

http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...