Hello, we recently cut down a dying white ash tree in our back yard, and have gotten rid of most of the wood and brush, however, some of the wood has been on our back patio for about 6 weeks awaiting the final pickup. This evening, 05-JUN-06, my wife and I noticed many bugs crawling and flying on the remaining wood. Initially we thought they were some sort of wasp, but after a brief search on the internet they appear to be the red-headed ash boring beetles. We have another ash tree in our front yard that is in good shape, so we are wondering what can be done to ensure that these beetles don't infest the live tree. Thank you for your help, TIM.

The key to managing wood boring insects is to keep plants healthy through proper cultural practices. Keep the plants properly watered, mulched, fertilized, and pruned. Underwatering and overwatering often leads to stress which increases susceptibility to wood-boring insects. Avoid overfertilizing or underfertilizing. Excessive application of highly soluable nitrate fertilizers produces lush, weak growth susceptible to wood-borers. Insufficiently fertilizing compromises the plant's natural defense system due to the lack of proper nutrients. Avoid pruning when moths are present since eggs are always laid in or near wounds. A chemical control, permethrin, can be used in early to mid-June. Spray the trunk and stems according to the label instructions.