Southern pine beetle - Dendroctonus frontalis

ID:

Southern pine beetles are small, 1/8th inch long insects. They have chewing mouthparts that are used to chew into the bark of many pine species, including shortleaf, loblolly, and Virginia pine. They have multiple generations per year, and become active in the spring. The larvae of this species develop under the bark of the tree and create S shaped galleries. 

Signs and Symptoms: 

SPB damage starts with tunneling underneath bark causing vascular damage. This causes the crowns of the pine trees to turn a reddish-brown with green needles on the branches near the base of the tree. The tunneling leaves white pitch tubes and saw dust that are clear indicators of infestation. Trees can become rapidly taken over by beetles as they release pheromones attracting others to the new host. While damage occurs, the beetle introduces a fungus, causing viable sapwood to discolor, lowering lumber value. 

Spread and Impacts:

Southern pine beetle is a native species to the south, but its range has been increasing to north eastern states. There are rare outbreaks of breeding populations in Kentucky. These beetles will attack trees with predisposed conditions which causes rapid decline. They can cause issues with viable softwood lumber, as they can cause girdling damage. 

Control: 

There are relatively effective chemical control methods for SPB. Trunk insecticide application can be successful in forested settings. Chemical application should be repeated throughout the year to account for new generations. Removal of heavily infested trees should be done to prevent further spread.