Maintaining the health of our forests and gardens in Mallorca is a challenge we take very seriously. Today we want to share with you the results of our work and how science allows us to protect your pine trees, even against the most persistent pests.
A balance of results and transparency
In 2023, our team treated a total of 1,984 pine trees using endotherapy. Of these, we only recorded incidents in 11 specimens. If we do the math, this represents a success rate of 99.45%. Although these effectiveness statistics are extremely high and place us at the forefront of the sector, in 2024 we detected that the number of pine trees in which the treatment was not fully effective rose by 1.8%. Although this is still a minimal margin of error, for a team that strives for excellence, any upward variation is cause for in-depth analysis. Therefore, we immediately set out to investigate the causes and organised a meeting with other companies in the sector to share this data and improve our protocols.
Pine bark showing signs of damage caused by Tomicus Destruens
The challenge of diagnosis and treatment distribution
The years 2022, 2023 and 2024 were extremely dry periods. The lack of water weakens the pine tree’s immune system, making it the perfect target for Tomicus destruens or Orthotomicus. These insects dig tunnels under the bark, which interrupts the tree’s vascular flow.
As a result, the product injected against the processionary caterpillar may not be distributed evenly throughout the crown, reducing its effectiveness, which is usually almost absolute.
The difficulty of diagnosis is noteworthy here: In many cases, it is easy to distinguish the condition during our visit thanks to resin lumps or changes in colouration. Other times, it is virtually impossible to detect with the naked eye, as the damage is internal and the tree maintains a normal appearance.
This is why, even with impeccable injection work, the previous condition of the pine tree’s vascular system is the factor that determines overall success.
A positive outlook: recovery and prevention in April
It’s not all bad news. This winter (2025-2026) is very wet, which will allow pine trees to recover their vigour and natural defences. In addition, both Tomicus and Orthotomicus can also be treated with endotherapy. By adjusting the combination of products and strengthening the tree with micronutrients, we can slow down the damage. April is the perfect time to carry out this preventive treatment against borers. By healing the tree’s vascular system now, we maximise the chances that next autumn’s treatment against the processionary caterpillar will be fully effective.
To ensure that the tree is completely free of the pest, this protocol must be followed for a period of 2 to 3 years. Furthermore, we must not forget that the health of pine trees is integral; watering during heat waves and nourishing them with specific fertiliser contributes decisively to improving their health and natural resistance.
Tunnels formed by Tomicus Destruens inside pine trees. When the product intended to eliminate the processionary caterpillar is injected, it spreads through these tunnels and does not reach the tree canopy. Source: UH