SPLAT® VERB: Specialized, Hand-Applied Insect Repellent
When it comes to protecting the most valuable trees on a residential estate, golf course, or campground, the goal is simple: keep the trees alive without creating a logistical or environmental mess. SPLAT® VERB is a specialized, hand-applied repellent designed to do exactly that. Unlike traditional insecticides that are designed to kill beetles on contact, this technology uses the beetle’s own biology against it. The formulation utilizes Verbenone, a naturally occurring pheromone that insects use to signal that a tree is "full." By applying this scent to a healthy tree, it effectively tricks incoming bark beetles into thinking the host is already occupied, forcing them to move on in search of a different target. It is not a "kill" strategy; it is a behavioral "shield" that prevents the initial attack from ever happening.
The real advantage of this approach is how it solves the headaches of older, more traditional methods. In the past, managers and homeowners were stuck with no choice but to drench the entire trunk in a chemical cover spray. Cover sprays are a major liability in residential areas or high-traffic public spaces due to the risk of drift, the smell, and the strict government regulations regarding applications near people or water.
SPLAT VERB offers premium benefits over standard hand-applied plastic pouches, including less labor by eliminating the need for retrieval at the end of the season, a visually discreet “camouflaged” appearance, and in some cases, superior efficacy.
SPLAT VERB Saves Time and Money
The application is as straightforward as it gets: the wax is applied directly to the trunk using a caulking gun. The wax adheres to the bark and acts as its own dispenser, providing a steady, controlled release of the repellent over 90 days or more. Once the season is over and the beetle pressure has subsided, the wax naturally breaks down and disappears. This "one-and-done" application eliminates the need for a second trip into the field, which is a major win for the bottom line.
SPLAT VERB Focuses on an Insect's Behavior
By moving away from reactive "wait and see" management, property owners can avoid the staggering costs associated with tree mortality. In a residential estate setting, the loss of a signature tree can lead to a massive drop in property value and an even bigger bill for a crane-assisted removal. Because SPLAT VERB focuses on the insect's behavior, it offers a way to protect these landscape assets that is both environmentally sound and legally compliant in areas where traditional spraying is restricted. It is a practical, low-impact tool for anyone who recognizes that it is far cheaper to keep a tree standing than it is to deal with the fallout of its removal.
Maximize your budget this season. Call 559-402-0411 and speak with a knowledgeable ISCA representative today!
SPLAT VERB FAQ
How does SPLAT VERB work?
SPLAT VERB harnesses the power of a naturally occurring anti-aggregation pheromone, verbenone, that is active against a wide range of beetles in the Curculionidae family. Verbenone signals to approaching beetles that the tree is already fully colonized by beetles, causing approaching beetles that would otherwise attack the tree to move on in search of another tree to colonize. It essentially serves as a “no vacancy” sign.
I’ve heard that the active ingredient in SPLAT VERB, verbenone, attracts pine beetles at low concentrations. Is that true?
There is no scientific evidence that the active ingredient, verbenone, attracts pine beetles at low concentrations. This likely stems from a misinterpretation of a single scientific study. Please contact an ISCA representative if you need further clarification.
How Should I apply SPLAT VERB?
SPLAT VERB can be applied with a large size (~29 oz.) caulking gun like those available at most home improvement stores. If you’d like a recommendation for a specific model of caulking gun, please contact an ISCA representative.
What is a “dollop?”
A “dollop” refers to a single point of SPLAT. It is just like applying a bead of silicone caulk, except that the caulking gun is held in one place when squeezing the trigger (instead of drawing it out in a line as is done with silicone caulk). This allows the SPLAT to remain in a compact, circular form.
How should dollops be shaped?
Dollops should retain a compact, circular form about 2 inches in diameter in order to maximize the length of time active ingredients are released into the crop area. This is due to the fact that the release rate is affected by surface area. Generally speaking, the lower the surface area of the dollop, the slower the release of active ingredients; the higher the surface area of the dollop (such as spreading in a thin layer), the faster the release rate.
Do I need to apply SPLAT VERB to every tree?
No, although SPLAT VERB has the highest level of protection if applied directly to the tree, it reduces pine beetle attacks significantly in approximately a 35-foot radius around the treated trees, known as a “halo effect.” As such, treating roughly 20 evenly spaced pine trees per acre will provide adequate protection.
Does SPLAT VERB harm nontarget insects?
No, SPLAT VERB contains no insecticides and has not been shown to negatively affect nontarget insects or other animals. It was specifically designed to only affect the behavior of the target insects with the same molecules the beetles use to communicate with each other in nature.
Does SPLAT VERB need to be removed from the tree at a later date?
No, SPLAT VERB will naturally degrade over time.
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