A physical barrier of tanglefoot will work--- as I already stated >they'd
prolly figure out how to bridge over the tanglefoot... prolly just walk over
the bodies of their stuck brothers. .. If that's the case then reactivation
every so often by stirring up the surface of the TF will be
needed.............
tanglefoot might keep them away longer....
" http://www.tanglefoot.com/sticky.htm
Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier has been in use since the early 1900's. Today,
Tree Tanglefoot Pest Barrier fits the role of mechanical manipulation of
insect pest populations in a non-threatening ecological manner! How? When
applied as a continuous band around the trunk, it effectively prevents
crawling insects from gaining access to foliage and causing economic damage.
Tree Tanglefoot does not meet the criteria for pesticides as stated in Title
40 CFR-162 rulings. The product is not insecticidal; its mode of action is
mechanical, i.e. the formation of a sticky barrier upon application.
FIELD POINTERS FOR USING TREE TANGLEFOOT PEST BARRIER
For young trees, where the bark may still be green or thin; place a 3-inch
(approximate) band of a waterproof material or plastic wrap around the
trunk. Then apply the coating of Tree Tanglefoot directly on top of this
wrapping.
The product can be applied with a putty knife, plastic spatula or flat stick
like a paint stirrer. After use, the applicators can be cleaned with mineral
spirits.
?? For rows of trees or vines alongside dirt roads, it will be necessary to
check the "sticky barrier" at intervals since passing tractors or vehicles
produce clouds of dust that, in time, will coat these pest barriers and
reduce stickiness.
To "reactivate" the dusty coated barrier, simply scrape the surface lightly
with a flat stick or putty knife. This removes the dust -debris; the
underlying surface is sticky and the pest barrier is again effective.
The use of Tree Tanglefoot in an IPM program is a long-term strategy for
economic gain in an ecological manner. For fruit crops like citrus, make
periodic checks in the fields to assure that the tree skirts are pruned
sufficiently to keep the tree branches from touching the soil surfaces.
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