Caterpillars, Beetles, Borers

Adapted from the Chemjet® manufacturer suggested procedure.  You can inject at the root flare just above the ground, or at some point up the trunk that is easier to reach.

1. Confirm with a qualified Arborist, or Biologist that this procedure is appropriate for your tree. There may be circumstances that would cause this procedure to be inappropriate. Also there is a risk that this procedure may harm your tree, or that chemical injection will be of no benefit.
2. Only inject trees that have green leaves indicating there is transpiration and sap circulation.
3. In southern states try to inject trees after a good rain or after substantial watering. Do not inject trees during sustained drought conditions.
4. Comply with your state pesticide laws and follow the instructions on the label of the chemical you are using for treatment.
5. Follow personal protection instructions from the treatment chemical label. This would generally include wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles during all mixing, injection and cleanup work.
6. Disinfect Chemjet® injector and drill bit by washing and scrubbing in diluted bleach solution or Lysol disinfectant solution. Pull disinfectant solution through the nozzle filling the injector several times. Rinse inside and out with clean water.
7. Use your desired chemical preparation and dosage per the instructions on the label from the chemical you are using. Some example chemical use rates are identified above for acephate, imidacloprid and emamectin benzoate.
8. Drill the first three holes at spacing intervals around tree at a 45 degree angle downward no more than 1.25 inch deep. Only use a 11/64 drill bit. Drilling more than three holes may heat up the bit and scorch the wood which will inhibit injection.
9. Pull the chemical mix into the injector until full at 20 ml and lock the handle back while twisting.
10. Insert into recently drilled hole. Push into place and seal (don’t twist because the nozzle may break off).
11. Using both hands, hold the Chemjet® in place and then twist and release the red plunger handle so that injection begins. If there is leakage push the nozzle in harder to seal. Repeat for remaining two holes.
12. After all chemical is in tree, pull injector straight out of hole. If chemical starts oozing back out of open hole, replace Chemjet® and leave there for another half hour or use a plug.
13. Repeat with three more holes, going around tree.
14. If an injector is taking chemical slowly, leave it in place and move on. It could take up to 24 hours.
15. IMPORTANT: Disinfect drill bit and all Chemjets (inside and out) before using on any other tree per step 6. Disinfect your hands and put on new rubber gloves to avoid potential for transferring diseases to next tree..
16. Take Care of your Chemjet Tree Injectors after the work is done (or during long term work at least once per week) so they keep working smoothly by disassembling, washing all parts with hot soapy water, rinse and air dry, then lubricate the nozzle barrel and rubber plunger washer with silicone lube or vegetable oil before reassembly.

Here is a video that demonstrates the Chemjet Tree Injector use and function.