Pine Bark Beetle Tree Spraying in Houston

We are getting a lot of calls for spraying

Our phone has been ringing with pine beetle calls. Pines that were stressed by heat, dry spells, storm damage or construction are the trees beetles go after first. Once a few pines on a street are hit, the beetles move on to the healthy pines nearby.

Signs your pine has bark beetles

• Small lumps of sap on the bark, about the size of popcorn (pitch tubes)
• Reddish brown sawdust in the bark cracks or around the base of the trunk
• Needles turning yellow, then reddish brown, often starting at the top
• Tiny holes in the bark

See any of these on your pines or your neighbor’s? Call 713-826-6768.

What pine beetle spraying does

We spray the trunk and larger limbs of your pines with an insecticide labeled for bark beetles. The spray works like a shield: it keeps beetles from boring into pines that are still healthy. If a pine is already heavily infested and its needles have turned red, spraying will not bring it back. When that is the case we tell you straight and talk about taking the tree down before the beetles spread.

What to expect when we come out

We walk your property, look at every pine, tell you which trees are worth protecting, and spray them. We also look at the rest of your trees while we are there. If a tree is stressed or sick for another reason, we will tell you about our tree fertilizing, systemic injections, construction damaged tree care and palm tree treatments.

Pine bark beetle questions

What are pine bark beetles?

Pine bark beetles are small beetles, about the size of a grain of rice, that bore under the bark of pine trees. Around Houston the common ones are Ips engraver beetles and the southern pine beetle. Under the bark they cut off the flow of water and food through the tree, and a badly hit pine can die fast.

How do I know if my pine tree has bark beetles?

Look for small lumps of sap on the bark, reddish brown sawdust in the bark cracks or at the base of the tree, tiny holes in the bark, and needles that fade to yellow and then reddish brown. If you see these, call Rivers Tree Doctors at 713-826-6768.

Can spraying save a pine that already has beetles?

Usually not once a pine is heavily infested and the needles have turned. Spraying is protection for healthy pines, especially the ones near trees that are already hit. That is why it pays to call early.

When should I have my pines sprayed?

Before the beetles get in. Good times to call are when pines near you are dying, after storm damage or a long dry spell, and before or after construction near your trees’ roots.

How long does a pine beetle spray last?

It depends on the product and what its label allows. We tell you when your trees should be sprayed again.

Are you licensed to spray trees?

Yes. Roy Rivers Jr. is licensed to spray trees for pine bark beetles and other tree pests.

Do you only spray pine trees?

No. Rivers Tree Doctors cares for sick, stressed and construction damaged trees of all kinds, and treats palm trees too.

Do you come to my part of Houston?

We work across the Houston area. Call 713-826-6768 and tell us where your trees are.

Protect your pines before the beetles get in. Call Roy at 713-826-6768.