FAQ
Why Inoculate a Healthy Palm?
Inoculating a healthy palm helps protect it from beetle infestations. When beetles land on an inoculated tree and begin to feed, they die before they can lay eggs and reproduce. The more trees that are inoculated, the fewer beetles survive to spread and multiply, reducing the overall beetle population in the area.
What are Tree Injections, Do They Work, and How Much Do They Cost?
The great thing about giving your tree a shot is there’s no sleeve to roll up, they don’t wince or cry, and you don’t even have to give them a lollipop.
And they almost always get better.
What are tree injections? When does a tree need a shot?
Let’s take a look.
How Do Tree Injections Work?
Tree injections are like shots for your trees. They treat diseases and insects like Coconut Rhinocerous Beetles, Gall Wasps ate Wili Wili trees, borers, aphids, spider mites, and scale by delivering “medicine” directly into your tree.
It’s injected right into the tree trunk, then quickly taken up by the vascular system and distributed throughout the tree.
This direct treatment works faster and is more effective than spray treatments, says Jonny B, Division Manager of 808Beetlebusters.
“You get fast results,” he says. “It doesn’t take six weeks like other methods.” 10 to 15 business days till it reaches the crown and the beetles start to die.
Why Do Trees Need Tree Injections?
Do you have any Palms?
Palms often have “iron chlorosis,” a nutrient deficiency, Jonny B says. They can’t absorb all the nutrients they need from the soil.
Affected trees have yellowing leaves that never quite get green.
It can affect all palms, too, he says.
Tree injections deliver micro-nutrients directly into the tree and quickly work to replenish it.
Do tree injections work? Check out these before and after photos. Coming Soon just treated
The first photo of this Palm was taken in the fall of 2024 before Jonny B treated it with a tree injection of micro-nutrients.
The second photo is the following spring. TBA
Tree Injections to Banish Bugs
Tree injections work great for treating insect infestations, too, Jonny B says, controlling these coconut rhinoceroses beetle, borers, aphids, spider mites, and scale this is only proven successful methode to date. We are open to organic we have not seen any success as of yet.
Extra Benefits of Tree Injections
Tree injections deliver treatment directly into the tree, so there’s no overspray or drifting of chemicals, Jonny B says. No pesticides in the air or soil.
While other types of treatment require three to four treatments, palm tree injections just require one maybe two, and lasts for a whole year.
Rainy? Windy? No problem. While spray treatments need calm weather, tree injections can take place on rainy or windy days.
How Much Do Tree Injections Cost?
The cost of this targeted tree health care from 808Beetlebusters is $10 per inch in trunk diameter.
We know not everybody has their tree trunk measurements memorized, so figure the average tree cost is $75-$188 a normal size palm.
Sure, some trees are bigger. A tree injection for a 20-inch palm would be $200.
Does that seem steep? If your infected tree dies and you need to replace it, $1500-$2K to remove tree & Stump, $200 would get you a new tree just a third of its size, Jonny B says.
Are Your Trees Ready for a New Best Friend?
Ready to rescue your trees with restorative tree injections to banish bugs, treat diseases, or add nourishing nutrients?
Expert plant health care like tree injections can be added to tree management plan.
Choose 808Beetlebusters for all your tree needs. We work with your existing landscapers and Tree trimmers.
We’ve got your back.
Got a few minutes? That’s all you need to get started.
Fill out the form on this page.
Call us at (808) 633 1046
Or read more about our services and financing available.
Product Comparison
Product /Method Active Ingredient & Type Application Method Effectiveness & Duration Toxicity / Environmental Impact Pros / Advantages Cons / Limitations Approx. Duration of Protection
Palm Tree Weevil Killer (PTWK) Plant-based nano micelles (soy, corn, plant oils); nanotech solution Injection or soil/root treatment (1:600 dilution) Kills within 4 days; up to 6–12 months protection (claimed) Non-toxic; safe for humans, animals, food crops Eco-friendly; long-lasting; no residue in fruit Not officially registered in Hawai‘i; limited validation 6–12 months (claimed)
IMA-Jet 10 Imidacloprid (neonicotinoid, systemic insecticide) Tree trunk injection or soil drench High; kills larvae & adults feeding on treated tissue Moderate risk to pollinators; low exposure risk if injected Long residual (6–9 months); effective systemic Needs licensed applicator; resistance risk with overuse 6–9 months
Demon Max Cypermethrin (synthetic pyrethroid) Foliar / crown spray High on contact; quick knockdown Moderate toxicity; harmful to aquatic life if runoff Fast-acting; affordable Requires repeat applications; drift risk 1–3 months BotaniGard ES Beauveria bassiana (entomopathogenic fungus) Spray on fronds / breeding sites Moderate; biological infection of beetles Very low toxicity; eco-safe Safe around people and pets; no chemical residue Slower acting; requires humidity; reapplication needed 2–3 months per cycle Dinotefuran (Safari) Dinotefuran (neonicotinoid, systemic insecticide) Injection or soil drench High systemic action; similar to imidacloprid Moderate risk to non-targets Fast uptake into palms; strong control of larvae Restricted-use license; re-treatment after ~6 mo 4–6 months
Emamectin Benzoate (Tree-age Jet) Emamectin Benzoate (avermectin-type systemic insecticide) Trunk injection High; kills larvae in vascular tissue Moderate toxicity; minimal drift Long persistence (up to 12 mo); low application frequency Needs trained injector; costlier upfront 9–12 months Pyrethrin / Lambda-Cyhalothrin (Demand CS) Synthetic pyrethroid Foliar spray on crowns & fronds High on contact; repellent effect Moderate to high; toxic to aquatic life Fast knockdown, widely available Frequent reapplication; resistance risk 1–2 months
Pheromone Traps (E4-MO Lure) Ethyl 4-methyloctanoate (kairomone lure) Bucket or panel traps Effective for monitoring / partial mass trapping Non-toxic Detects beetle presence early; low maintenance Doesn’t kill larvae inside trees; best for IPM Continuous, monthly lure change Solar UV LED CRB Trap UV light + pheromone lure
Ground or canopy traps Moderate; attracts flying adults Non-toxic Autonomous (solar-powered); ideal for monitoring Needs placement & cleaning; limited reach Continuous use