Elm Savers

Ema-ject®: Safe & Highly Effective in Controlling Lerp in Yellow Box Trees

Maintaining the health of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) is crucial, especially when combating lerp infestations caused by pests like Yellow Box Lerp (Lasiopsylla rotundipennis). The City of Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Council have recognised the importance of pollinator-safe pest control solutions, leading to the successful trial of Ema-ject Tree Injectable Insecticide.

Why Ema-ject® RTU Tree Injectable Insecticide is a Safer Choice for Yellow Box Trees

Ema-ject® is a novel, water-soluble form of Emamectin Benzoate developed in Australia by Steve Parton, Managing Director of Environmental Tree Technologies. Unlike traditional pesticide sprays, tree injection delivers targeted protection, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Key Benefits of Ema-ject®:

  • No bud or floral systemicity, meaning it does not contaminate nectar or pollen.
  • Long-term tree protection, reducing the need for frequent applications.
  • Minimal risk to pollinators and wildlife, unlike neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid.
  • Proven efficacy in Yellow Box trees in multiple trials is replicated in Coldstream, Victoria.

The Risks of Imidacloprid & Neonicotinoids

While imidacloprid is widely used in pest control, studies have shown its presence in nectar at 310ppb (APVMA residue submission data). This poses risks to honey bees, lorikeets, fruit bats, and other nectar-feeding wildlife. Pollinators that ingest contaminated nectar can suffer from reduced foraging efficiency, colony decline, and ecosystem disruption. Additionally, windborne pollen in wind pollinated tree species may present an unknown health risks to humans and wildlife.

Ema-ject® Trial Results Yellow Box: Success in Coldstream, Victoria

Project Site: Coldstream, Victoria (Yarra Ranges Council)

Treatment Date: 18 August 2023
Tree injection being applied to a Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) in Coldstream, Victoria, using Ema-ject Tree Injectable Insecticide for lerp control.

Progress Update (15 August 2024): Full canopy
Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) tree canopy showing significant regrowth one year after Ema-ject treatment in Coldstream, Victoria.

Latest Update (23 January 2025): Canopy remains dense and healthy
Full canopy recovery of a Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) tree two years after Ema-ject treatment in Coldstream, Victoria.
Close-up of a healthy Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) tree canopy, two years after Ema-ject treatment in Coldstream, Victoria.

Graph comparing nectar residue levels of tree injectable imidacloprid and Ema-ject, showing that Ema-ject does not appear in nectar, ensuring pollinator safety.

Ema-ject continues to demonstrate outstanding results in pest management while protecting pollinators and native wildlife.

FAQs About Ema-ject® RTU Tree Injectable Inseciticide & Lerp Control in Yellow Box Trees

Q: What is the best treatment for lerp infestations in Yellow Box trees?
A: The safest and most effective treatment is Ema-ject® RTU Tree Injectable Insecticide, which provides long-term pest control without harming pollinators.

Q: How does Ema-ject® compare to imidacloprid?
A: Unlike imidacloprid, which contaminates nectar and affects pollinators, Ema-ject does not enter nectar or pollen, making it a safer alternative.

Q: How long does Ema-ject® protect Yellow Box trees?
A: Ema-ject provides long-term protection, significantly reducing the need for multiple treatments.

Q: Where has Ema-ject® been tested?
A: Ema-ject was successfully trialled in Coldstream, Victoria and other locations throughout Southern Australia, with full canopy recovery observed within one year.

Q: How can I get Ema-ject® treatment for my trees?
A: Contact Elmsavers for expert tree injection services to protect your Eucalyptus trees from pests.

Protect your Yellow Box trees with Ema-ject®!  If you’re looking for a pollinator-safe and highly effective pest control solution, contact Elmsavers today. Our expert team specialises in tree injection treatments to safeguard your trees while preserving the environment.

Call us now or request a consultation!

For more information on pesticide residue safety, visit: APVMA

Learn more about Ema-ject Tree Injectable Insecticide
Tree Injection Services for Eucalyptus Trees