Apparatus and methods for banding tree trunks

A method for deterring insects from traveling along a trunk of a plant, the method comprising:

• positioning a formfitting substance so that the formfitting substance engages and extends at least substantially around the trunk's outer circumference;
• then mounting a stretchable strip to the trunk, wherein the stretchable strip extends in a longitudinal direction and the mounting includes stretching the stretchable strip while wrapping the stretchable strip around the formfitting substance's outer circumference and thereby around the trunk's outer circumference, so that after the stretchable strip is mounted to the trunk, the stretchable strip is under tension in the longitudinal direction and forces the formfitting substance against the trunk's outer circumference;
• and
• applying a deterring agent so that the deterring agent is carried by the stretchable strip and extends at least substantially around the stretchable strip's outer circumference for deterring insects from traveling along the trunk.

A kit for use in deterring insects from traveling along a trunk of a plant, the kit comprising:

• a strip of a fibrous formfitting substance for engaging and extending at least substantially around the trunk's outer circumference;
• a stretchable strip for being mounted to the trunk and extending around the formfitting substance's outer circumference while the formfitting substance is engaging and extending substantially around the trunk's outer circumference, wherein the stretchable strip is operative so that, while the stretchable strip is mounted to the trunk and extending around the formfitting substance's outer circumference:
• the stretchable strip can be under tension in the longitudinal direction as a result of the stretchable strip having been stretched, and
• the tension of the stretchable strip can force the formfitting substance against the trunk's outer circumference;
• and
• a container of a deterring agent that is for being applied to the stretchable strip's outer circumference, for deterring insects from traveling along the trunk.