How Pine Bark Beetles are Destroying Pine Trees in America

Pine Bark beetles, unlike Emerald Ash Borers are natives of America. Regardless they are getting worse and worse and it is a problem that needs to be addressed. This infographic breaks down their lifecycle and how they eventually lead to the death of a pine tree. Knowing this information can help us to combat the beetle before it totally decimates our pine trees. 

How long does it take for a Pine Bark beetle to kill a pine tree?

This is crazy, but it only takes a few years for a Pine Bark beetle to completely destroy a tree. During the first year, the eggs are laid on the bark of the tree, when they hatch they borrow inside of the tree and begin to kill the tree with thousands of bites. Within the first years of this process, you will begin to see the branches die as they go up the tree. Eventually, the beetles will reach the top of the tree and finish it off completely. 

How do I know if my pine tree is infected with Pine Bark beetles?

Pine Bark beetles make a very distinct gnawing sound that can be heard periodically throughout the day. The rhythmic crunch is a sure sign that there are Pine Bark beetles eating away at your tree. The next sign is branches turning yellow in the summer months. These needles will eventually turn red meaning that they are completely dead. While it is normal for a tree to shed some branches, it happens much faster than the natural process. 

Do pine trees have natural defenses against Pine Bark beetles?

Yes. When the beetle first begins to burrow the tree will attempt to drown the larvae in sap. While it may succeed in killing some, the overwhelming numbers of larvae overtake some trees until they succumb to the beetle's attacks. 

At the end of the day, the Pine Bark beetle is overtaking many trees in America. This infographic does a great job of breaking down the lifecycle of the Pine Bark beetle. Be sure to check out our lawn care blog for more great info on maintaining your lawn and landscape. 

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