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schaplin

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Posted Reply with quote  #1 
Hi

Well I haven't seen them yet but since they are around I decided to research them.
After slogging through a lot of university papers here's a brief summary of what I found.

They are attracted to stressed trees and after this winter I suspect a lot of trees were stressed.
They will then attack near by healthy trees.
They often start close to ground where humidity is highest.
There are no known pesticides to treat infestation.
Trees can recover if the infestation is not to bad and the tree is stress free.
Trees recovery by producing enough sap to drown the larval and adult.
White latex paint may help protect the bark by preventing sun scald which provides openings in the bark.
Avoid pruning when beetles are active.

So with this information you may be able to figure out ways to protect your figs.  Most of the information out there is for commercial growers with acres of trees.

I can think of some possible things to try.
Perhaps something like a big needle could be used to inject a neem oil solution into the holes.
Maybe painting/wrapping the trees could prevent infection.
Maybe a wrap with tangle foot adhesive.
If alcohol traps work then you may wish to set them to monitor when beetles are active.
Just some thoughts
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schaplin

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Posted Reply with quote  #2 
You most likely mad the right choice.  Really posted this to get folks thinking about how to deal with this new pest and share information on what works for them.
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drphil69

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Posted Reply with quote  #3 
Thanks for the info!
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Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.
MGorski

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Posted Reply with quote  #4 
Thanks for sharing this info. I also heard that a tree can protect itself with its sap, though the stressed wood can have poor sap flow. It's good to hear the tree can recover after attack. I still would be concerned about the fungus taking hold even after the beetles are gone.
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schaplin

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Posted Reply with quote  #5 
At least in orchards that did not seem to be an issue so may the tree can also destroy the fungus.  Plants practice some pretty impressive biologically warfare on there own.  I have had many plants recover from fungus issues as soon the underlining cause was removed.
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