Pine Wilt nematodes are microscopic wireworms that clog up the vascular system of the Scotch Pine tree, causing them to die quickly and dramatically.  The insect vector that carries the nematode attacks trees in a random pattern, so there is no way to predict which trees may get hit next.  We lose perhaps 2%-3% of the Scotch Pines every year.

Until now, there has been no prevention or cure for this disease, but last year Chip Doolittle of ArborSystems in Omaha, Nebraska developed a proprietary injection system to deliver a systemic insecticide into the Scotch Pine trees.  This insecticide is about 70 percent effective in preventing the nematode for 3 years.