There are three major types of bark beetles and one wood borer that have created problems for forest owners in the area.

The most dreaded of the beetles is the Southern Pine Beetle. It attacks pines of all sizes. Infestations usually start as a result of stress. Lightning strikes and soil disturbances are the most common types of stress. Adults bore into the bark of the main trunk creating yellow, popcorn shaped pitch tubes. If the beetle succeeds in entering the tree, it immediately constructs an "S" shaped tunnel under the bark girdling the tree. It also introduces a fungi or mold which clogs up the water conducting tubes in the tree, leaving the wood with blue or black streaks. Young beetles emerge from the tree through shot holes in the bark in about 30 days during summer months.

Control is by preventing disturbances, by destroying infested trees before young emerge, by expensive spraying of lindane or dursban insecticide on the entire tree, or by encouraging woodpeckers which can eat up the 65% of the young hatching beetles. Large areas should be logged as soon as possible. Cut all infested trees plus any within one hundred feet. Monitor remaining trees every two weeks and repeat if infestations flare up.

The black turpentine beetle is often confused with the Southern Pine Beetle. It too, attacks trees under stress and leaves pink or brown, popcorn shaped pitch tubes. It attacks the lower 5 feet of the main stem first and seldom gets over 15 feet up. The SPB often starts its attack at 15 feet and spreads up and down the tree. Trees can often pitch out the turpentine beetle. This black beetle is one quarter to one third of an inch long in contrast to the SPB which is one eighth inch long. Damage under the bark is limited and the fungus or mold introduced by the SPB is not present.

Control is again by preventing disturbances and by spraying the lower 15 feet of the main stem with lindane or dursban. If a fine dust appears at the base of the tree, plans should be made to have the tree removed.

The ips Engraver Beetles also attack weakened trees. It is also black and one eighth of an inch long, like the SPB, but has a shovel-shaped hind end. It also carries the same fungi that the SPB carries, but its potential for population explosions and its ability to attack only very weak trees make it less of a threat. It also girdles trees by forming "Y" or "H" shaped tunnels just under the bark. Tiny, flat yellow pitch tubes may or may not be present.

Control is usually limited to removal and destruction of infested trees since most attacked trees are too far gone to save.

Several other insects follow the tree killing beetles. Wood borers can often be heard chewing. These borers have large flat headed larvae that hatch into metallic colored adult beetles that have flattened bodies and long antennae. Their attacks are marked by excelsior like frass or saw dust around the base of its tree host. They attack trees that are dead or almost dead. They can even be found in split pine firewood. Adults lay eggs in funnel shaped pits chewed into the bark.

Control is not necessary unless trees are to be used for lumber. Spraying or peeling bark will prevent infestation. Any wood that will be utilized as firewood or lumber may be hazardous if treated. Fumes given off from burning any insecticide treated wood may be toxic. The borers or bark beetles will not attack processed wood such as in your home.

DISCLAIMER: Recommendations for use of chemicals are included in this newsletter as a convenience to the reader. The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services does not imply endorsement by the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for ensuring that the intended use complies with current regulations and conforms to the product label. Be sure to obtain current information about usage and examine a current product label before applying any chemical.

Revised 2/16/2006.