It’s that time of year again when spring cankerworms come out to wreak havoc on our lovely trees. Tree banding prevents the female cankerworms from laying their eggs in the crowns of the trees in the spring and fall seasons. Tree Tanglefoot Insect Barrier is a sticky, non-drying paste which is effective against gypsy moths, cankerworms, weevils, ants, caterpillars, moths, cutworms, black vine weevil, and other crawling insects trying to inhabit your trees. This is a natural product that is OMRI rated and certified for organic gardening, no pesticides or harmful chemicals are involved. As the insects climb up over the sticky material, they become trapped without escape.
To control the spring cankerworm, you must have bands on your trees by mid-March and/or reapply Tree Tanglefoot to any existing bands that were originally setup in the fall.
Tree Tanglefoot is oil-based and the oils will soak into the bark. Banding material eliminates staining of the tree and offers quick, complete removal of the sticky material. In addition, Tree Tanglefoot will remain sticky longer when applied on top of a surface resistant to oil. For rough bark trees it may be necessary to plug the gaps between the tree trunk and the banding, this can be done by using insulation or other materials.
Apply Tree Tanglefoot Insect barrier in a uniform fashion. It can be applied in a heavy or light coat. Heavy coats are approximately 3″ wide and 3/32″ thick. A heavy coat is used when the insects kept from the tree foliage are large or numerous, or when there is little time available to maintain the band. Light coats are 3″ wide and 1/16″ thick. A light coat is good as a general barrier against smaller or less numerous insects, or when the band can be maintained regularly.
Generally, Tree Tanglefoot will remain sticky and effective until it is covered with insects, dust or other debris. A build-up of debris or insects will create a bridge for other insects to cross. This debris requires removal and possible re-application in spots. If an area is unusually dusty or the surface of the barrier is stiffened, Tree Tanglefoot can be rubbed around to expose a new sticky layer beneath. Remove bands at end of season.
Tree bands should be secured at 5 feet above ground level. Ensure that the bands are tight around your trees so that cankerworms and other insects cannot crawl underneath the band and bypass the sticky paste.
We sell Tree Tanglefoot Insect Barrier in all of our seven retail stores across Western Canada. Visit a location near you in Winnipeg, Brandon, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, or Lethbridge and our staff members will help you get the information and products you need to protect your trees this spring.
Sources:
- “Tree Tanglefoot® Insect Barrier” https://www.tanglefoot.com/en-us/products/insect-control/tree-tanglefoot-insect-barrier
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