Several types of conifer bark beetles, including Western Pine Beetle, Mountain Pine Beetle, Douglas-fir Beetle, Red lurpentine Beetle, Spruce Beetle, Fir Engraver, and several IPs engraver beetles, are known to attack and kill western conifers (pine, spruce, and fir) during periods of environmental stress.
These beetles bore into the cambium in large groups and disrupt nutrient and water movement, thus killing the tree. Several of these species also introduce a fungus, known as blue stain, which may kill a tree by clogging its vascular systems.
Where Is The Threat?
Current outbreaks are being fueled by drought conditions, along with other environmental stress factors such as wildfires and storms throughout the West over the last few years. Some areas of CA, OR, WA, ID, NV, UT, AZ, CO, and NM range from moderate to severe drought, while parts of California and Oregon are experiencing extreme drought. These conditions make it difficult for conifers to fight off an attack and increase the severity of the outcome.
Symptoms Of The Threat
Beetle attack is often evident by cream to red colored pitch tubes and/or boring dust present on the lower bole of the tree. Crowns of individually attacked trees will fade from green to yellow to red, followed by tree death over several weeks. Most of these beetles carry a fungus that serves as a food base for young larvae. The introduced fungus, visible under loose bark, inhibits water transport and hastens tree mortality.
What To Do About The Threat
Treatment of residential and city trees is possible and effective. Treatment with TREE-äge® 9, TREE-äge G4, or TREE-äge R10 insecticide via trunk injection seals a small dose of the insect control into the tree, providing you with two years of control. For added protection against blue stain, inject Propizol® fungicide at the time of treatment. It is best to treat when signs are spotted in your area, before your tree is attacked.
TREE-äge® Insecticide and TREE-äge® R10 are Restricted Use Pesticides and must only be sold to and used by a state-certified applicator or by persons under their direct supervision.
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