Question ? Are Borers and Whitchity grubs one and the same and how would one eradicate them safely, I have a small dog who likes to excavate and I am worried that by using dangerous chemicals I could end up loosing both the palms and the dog
We don't have them here, but the Witchetty grub is a Ghost moth larvae, which does bore roots. I wish I could help you, but I don't think there is any chemical that can be applied sufficiently to the location of these grubs, while being safe for your dog to dig in. Are you sure they're Witchetty grubs ? Do they eat palms too ? Check with your local pest control services to see if they give free estimates. Maybe they can come out and properly I.D. it for you. I just heard of these critters a few months ago on television. The subject was edible insects. They went on to mention how grilling them produced a flavor similar to chicken with peanut sauce. Enjoyed by many. Tell us more.
Thank you Philly Palms for your suggestions and yes I will certainly consult our local pest inspector, the Whitchity or Witchetty Grub is edible but mostly eaten by our Australian Aborigines, I have tried them as a child (cooked or roasted) and found them to have a nutty flavour but they look disgusting, they are fat and round with a white wrinkled body and resemble a huge maggot with a reddish brown head, they are usually found in the roots of Red Gum (eucalyptus trees) but they are not limited to just that variety, however I have not heard of them ravaging Tropical Palms, anyway thanks again and I will post the results of the pest inspection later on, See Ya.
