Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We know dealing with Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles (CRB) can be overwhelming. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we get. Some may seem like common sense, but as the saying goes, common sense isn’t always common.

What about my coconut trees?

Our approach focuses on the source of the problem: CRB breeding sites. At this time, we do not offer treatments for trees themselves. By stopping beetles at the larval stage, we protect the trees indirectly.

Do CRB only eat coconut trees?

No. While coconut trees are a favorite, CRB also damage bananas, hala, taro, ulu, sugarcane, pineapples, and many other types of palms.

What if my neighbors have a potential breeding site?

Encourage them to reach out to us right away for an initial inspection. CRB can easily spread from property to property, so treating one pile while ignoring another nearby can limit success.

Steam vs. Tree Injections — what’s the difference?

Steam targets beetles in their breeding sites before they become adults. Tree injections work on protecting individual palms but do not stop the next generation of beetles. Steam is non-toxic and tackles the root of the problem, while injections are a direct tree treatment.

How often should I steam my piles?

Step 3 of our program is to steam every 3 months (quarterly). This ensures that any new larvae that hatched since the last treatment are destroyed before they turn into beetles.

How do I qualify for Kamaʻāina pricing?

Simply show us your valid Hawaiʻi State ID or Driver’s License when booking or during service.

How do you measure cubic yardage of piles?

We use advanced measurement software that calculates pile size with high accuracy, usually within a few percent. This makes pricing fair and consistent.

What if my property already has larvae?

We will still start with Step 1: Initial Assessment. This includes a safety check for our staff and K9s, a full inspection, measurements for your pile, and a detailed report with a treatment plan.

After steaming, will CRB come back?

Yes, there is always a chance. Steam kills the beetles in your pile, but it does not repel future beetles. That is why quarterly steaming is so important—it prevents new larvae from surviving long enough to become adults.

How accurate is K9 detection?

Our detection dogs are trained specifically to find CRB larvae. Breeding sites vary—mulch, compost, green waste, soil, or stumps—so our dogs train across all these environments. While no method is perfect, K9 detection is one of the fastest and most reliable tools we have.

Can I set up a subscription to have my piles treated?

Yes. Our quarterly model (every 3 months) functions like a subscription. It ensures that piles are consistently treated so beetles never get a chance to grow unchecked.

What happens if I leave my infested pile untreated?

The beetle population can explode. Just 10 larvae left untreated can turn into an estimated 25,000 eggs within 2 years. That is why Step 1: Initial Assessment is always the top priority.

Why do you suggest treating piles every 3 months?

CRB can stay in their larval stage for up to 6 months. Since steam is not a repellent, beetles may come back to the pile. Treating every 3 months makes sure any new larvae are destroyed before they grow into adults.

How can I tell if I have a potential infestation?

Check your property for older mulch piles, green waste, compost heaps, soil mounds, or rotting stumps. If they have been sitting for a long time without being moved, they are ideal breeding grounds.

What is the difference between Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) and Oriental Flower Beetle (OFB)?

• CRB larvae are larger, curl into a “C” shape, and crawl on their sides.
  
  
  

• OFB larvae curl into a lowercase “e” shape, move quickly on their backs, and are smaller.
  
  

How do I properly maintain my mulch piles?

Keep piles dry when possible, avoid letting them sit untouched for long periods, and schedule regular steaming every 3 months to prevent larvae from surviving.

How do I kill CRB larvae and beetles that I find on my property?

If you find larvae or beetles, contact us right away. Do not move the pile, as this can spread the infestation. Steam is the safest and most effective way to destroy them.

What do I do with my mulch pile after steaming?

After steaming, the pile is safe to use again as soil or mulch. It no longer contains living larvae or eggs, so it can be repurposed for gardening, landscaping, or left in place without risk.