PROTECTIVE TREATMENT (EP1, P1 & P2)

A preventative pesticide spray used at specific times of the year to reduce or eradicate pest populations. Typically mixed with water, Astro (LABEL/MSDS) and a sticker. There are very important precautions we take and we ask our customers to become familiar with what some of the risks are.

Early Protective Treatment (EP1)

This spray begins mid to late March and targets Ips beetles, cool season mites and Spruce Cooley gall. Generally done on Spruce and Ponderosa pines.

Protective 1 (P1)

This is usually applied starting early to mid April through May and generally targets 1st generation bark beetles, borers and moths.

• Peach Tree Crown Borer

• Zimmerman Pine Moth

• Mountain Pine Beetle

Protective 2 (P2)

This spray is done beginning in mid July through mid August. Typically targeting 2nd and 3rd generation bark beetles, borers and moths.

• Peach Tree Crown Borer

• Zimmerman Pine Moth

Fruit Protection

As it sounds, this is a spray to keep Codling Moth out of the apples. It is an agricultural rate, which means that the concentration of chemical is significantly reduced from that of the other Protective treatments we perform for controlling borers and bark beetle.

Risks, Facts & Precautions

When applying Astro(LABEL/MSDS) our applicators take careful note of the area where they are working. They are looking for anything that could be harmed while applying or after applying the spray. Here are some BASIC RULES:

We will NOT apply if these issues cannot be addressed:

People, animals, toys, pet bowls, waterways, fish ponds, open windows, wind (drift potential), applicator is unsure of which trees are approved and other unforeseen issues.

The customer (homeowner) is required by the city of Boulder's Pesticide Ordinance (Section 6-10-1 B.R.C. 1981) to notify neighbors on all abutting properties 24hrs. in advance of any aerial sprays with restricted use pesticides that will be applied higher than 6' (six feet) off the ground. This can be done with a sign in the front yard (see ordinance), by phone or in person. THIS IS ONLY FOR SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF BOULDER.

We will spray when:

Trees are identified and nothing on the above list is an issue.

When applying Protective Treatments it is important that several practices are followed diligently.

1. Mix rate: The mix rate must be carefully understood and followed. It is a different rate depending if one or two applications are performed per year.
2. Application: When applying the spray it must cover the entire trunk from the ground to the top of the tree. Large limbs should be covered as well. It has been documented that very small areas on a tree have been successfully attacked by MPB where the applicator missed a patch during the spray. It is applied until dripping not just wet.
3. Timing:Beetles have many different life cycles depending on species, host, weather and insect pressures
4. Waterways & Ponds: No tree shall be sprayed within 50’ (fifty feet) of any body of water. Permethrin is extremely toxic and fatal to aquatic life. Fish ponds can be covered. It is a very tedious and precise process.
5. Commercial Applicator License: Storing, mixing and applying pesticides is regulated by the EPA. The Colorado Department of Agriculture enforces and licenses individuals and commercial entities under this regulation.