A sticky tree band wrapped around the trunk stops crawling insects by trapping them as they climb, before they reach the canopy to feed. Bands control most insects that crawl up the trunk, such as tent caterpillars, spongy (gypsy) moth caterpillars, cankerworms, carpenter ants, and earwigs.

How does a tree band stop crawling insects?

By putting a physical barrier in their path. A tree band is a strip of sticky material wrapped all the way around the trunk, so any insect climbing from the ground has to cross it and gets caught in the glue.

How effective are tree bands?

Effective against most pests that have to walk up the trunk to reach the leaves, and of no use against insects that fly straight into the canopy. Because a band works only when an insect tries to cross it, it belongs in the plan for climbing pests such as caterpillars, not every insect problem.

How is a tree band installed?

By measuring the trunk and wrapping the band snugly around it with a little overlap. In late fall and again in early spring, a strip of TreeHelp Bug Band Protective Insect Barrier is tied around the trunk with about an inch of overlap and protects the tree for months. Where glue touching the bark is a concern, the Bug Barrier Tree Band Kit is wrapped at about 4.5 feet, with its adhesive facing inward so it never touches the bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tree bands work on rough or furrowed bark?

Yes, if the gaps are filled. Aluminum foil or other stuffing placed between the band and the bark keeps insects from slipping underneath.

Can a tree band be put on at any time of year?

Yes. A band can be applied any time to deal with an immediate problem, with the late fall and early spring schedule used for ongoing control.

How much band does one tree need?

The trunk's circumference plus about an inch. Doubling that covers both the late fall and early spring bands for a full year.

How long does a tree band take to install?

A few minutes. The Bug Barrier kit installs in 3 to 5 minutes and comes off in about 30 seconds.