This page contains links to information about sprays and treatments that have been used in other provinces in an attempt to control the spread of Mountain Pine Beetle.
The County of Grande Prairie No.1. provides this information as a resource only, and is in no way endorsing their use. Persons can use these chemicals on their private lands as per instruction, at their own risk and cost. These are potent chemicals that do have inherent health risks for all humans, in particular children.
Preventative Treatments
1. To Stop Beetles from Attacking Trees
There is a product on the market, called Verbenone, that has been used in spot applications to try and stop beetles from attacking valued trees. The product is a repellent or anti-aggregation pheromone. Application of repellent pheromones must be completed before the beetles emerge to look for new host trees. For the best results, a fresh pouch should be placed on the tree part way through the year. Below is their website. Check out both the "how to protect your trees" and "FAQ for Verbenone" pages of the site.
2. To kill attacking beetles
There is a U.S. product, called Sevin (active ingredient), that has been used to kill attacking beetles. The product is sprayed on the tree bark, which soaks into the bark and when the beetles injest the bark, they die. The trees must be sprayed a couple of times per year, and reapplied after it rains.
Below is a link to some questions that tell more about the product Sevin.
To find out more about the health effects and chemicals permitted for use in Canada we recommend you visit:
Health Canada's Pest Managment Regulation Agency