Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatment
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Injection Treatment on Kauai
The coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) is one of the most destructive invasive pests threatening Hawaii’s palms and tropical landscapes. At Isaiah’s Tree Service, we offer professional CRB injection treatments to help protect Kauai’s palms and surrounding vegetation from severe damage and infestation. Using targeted, systemic injections with Imidacloprid and Acephate, our treatments are designed to disrupt beetle populations at the source—helping restore health and longevity to your trees while safeguarding the island’s ecosystem.
If you’ve noticed boreholes, scalloped fronds, or “V”-shaped cuts in your palm leaves, your trees may already be under attack. Contact our certified arborists today at (808) 631-6488 for a free on-site inspection and treatment consultation anywhere on Kauai.
Understanding the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) is native to Southeast Asia and was first detected on O‘ahu in December 2013. Since then, it has spread across the islands—including Kauai, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island. Adult CRB are large, shiny black beetles about two inches long with a distinctive horn, while larvae can grow up to four inches long and develop in decaying organic matter such as mulch, compost, or rotting logs.
CRB feed by boring into the crowns of palms to eat the emerging fronds, leaving behind two-inch holes and characteristic 45-degree cuts with scalloped edges. Severe infestations can kill palms outright, while boreholes also expose trees to secondary infections and other pests.
Common host plants include:
Coconut, royal, and date palms
Fan palms (including Pritchardia)
Hala, taro, banana, pineapple, and sugarcane
Protecting these species is vital—not just for property owners, but also for preserving Hawaii’s cultural plants, agricultural health, and natural beauty.
Our CRB Injection Treatment Process
At Isaiah’s Tree Service, we use systemic tree injection methods proven effective against CRB infestations. These treatments deliver insecticides directly into the tree’s vascular system, protecting from the inside out without soil or spray exposure.
Here’s what our treatment process involves:
Step 1 – Inspection & Diagnosis
Our certified arborists inspect your palms for visible signs of CRB activity, such as boreholes, chewed fronds, or nearby breeding sites in mulch or compost piles.
Step 2 – Targeted Trunk Injection
We use specialized injection equipment to apply Imidacloprid (Ima-Jet) or Acephate (Ace-Jet) near the base of the palm. These formulations move systemically through the tree’s tissues, offering long-term protection from beetles feeding in the crown.
Ima-Jet: Reapplication every 12 months
Ace-Jet: Reapplication every 6 months
Step 3 – Pollinator & Fruit Safety
Our treatments follow strict environmental guidelines to protect Hawaii’s pollinators. We recommend trimming palm flowers every six months and avoiding fruit consumption until after the pre-harvest or reapplication interval has passed.
Step 4 – Monitoring & Maintenance
Because CRB can migrate from nearby untreated trees, we recommend community-wide treatment programs for best results. Our team can help coordinate multi-property treatment schedules to reduce reinfestation risk across neighborhoods or resorts.
Why Tree Injections Work
Unlike topical sprays or soil drenches, trunk injections:
Deliver treatment directly into the tree’s vascular tissue
Avoid runoff and leaching into soil or waterways
Are safe for use in sensitive or high-density areas
Provide extended protection with minimal environmental impact
While the process is labor-intensive, it’s one of the most effective and environmentally responsible methods to control CRB populations when access to the palm crown is limited.
The Impacts of Untreated CRB Infestations
Unchecked CRB infestations can cause serious harm to Kauai’s landscapes and local economy:
Kill ornamental and cultural palms across residential and resort properties
Damage agricultural crops including taro, banana, and sugarcane
Degrade coastal and cultural landscapes by destroying native hala and coconut palms
Disrupt pollinators and ecosystem balance
Reduce property values and tourism appeal
Protecting Kauai’s palms is not just about aesthetics—it’s about preserving our island’s cultural heritage and environmental health.
Why Choose Isaiah’s Tree Service for CRB Treatment?
ISA-Certified Arborists experienced in Hawaii’s native and ornamental tree species
Specialized CRB injection equipment for precise, low-impact treatments
Environmentally responsible approach—no overspray, runoff, or soil contamination
Island-wide service on Kauai, including Poipu, Lihue, Koloa, Kapaa, Princeville, and surrounding areas
Free on-site evaluations and transparent pricing
Licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection
Schedule Your CRB Injection Treatment Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late—early detection and proactive treatment are key to saving your palms. Whether you have a few ornamental trees or manage a resort landscape, Isaiah’s Tree Service provides effective, science-based protection against the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
Call us at (808) 631-6488 or contact us online to schedule your free inspection and estimate for CRB injection treatments on Kauai. Together, we can protect our island’s palms and preserve Hawaii’s natural beauty for generations to come.