Bai Bu vs. Bark Beetles

[Guest guest]

Here in the high desert Southwest, several different types of bark beetles

have killed thousands of acres of conifers and junipers. The beetle

infestations are usually associated with stressors such as drought [which we

have] and overcrowding [which is common]. Earlier this summer, in addition

to culling the trees on my land that were under extreme attack and

nourishing those I deemed salvageable, I drenched the afflicted limbs with a

strong oil infusion of 500g ground bai bu to two liters oil. So far there

is no more detectable beetle activity and also no more sap being pushed

outward by the trees as defense. But I'm not sure yet if this was an

effective treatment or not.

 

Now I read that Jiao Shu-De suggests making a water-bai bu decoction and

mixing it with alcohol then spraying it on the trees to battle the

tree-borers. Has anyone any experience with this method, or any thoughts on

what an effective tea to alcohol ratio might be effective?

 

jaclyn