Have you noticed small holes in the bark of your trees? Do you have concerns about what they may be? Chances are, you have a case of bark beetles.
Continue reading below for tips on identifying and protecting your trees against bark beetles.
What Do Bark Beetles Look Like?
Bark beetles are common conifer (pine) pests. Adult ones are tiny, cylindrical, hard-bodied insects approximately the size of a rice grain. The majority of species are dark red, brown, or black.
What Are The Key Indicators of Infestation?
These pests feed on the exterior and inner bark of a tree’s trunk, branches, or twigs. Because of the activity of the beetles, the outer area of the afflicted places may become loose, and when the bark is stripped away, the exit holes and tunnels become visible. These are signs that your tree has been infested.
How To Get Rid of Them and Prevent Further Damage?
Once your tree has been damaged, there is little that can be done to manage the infestation. Because the beetles reside in a sheltered environment beneath the surface of the tree, pesticides are difficult to manage.
Large numbers of beetles can emerge and damage surrounding host trees if afflicted trees are chopped down and contaminated materials are rapidly removed, burnt, or chipped on site. Never put infected debris near a living tree or plant.
Learn about the cultural needs of trees and how to offer correct care to keep them growing robustly. Only plant species that will thrive in the environment they are being planted in. Healthy trees will be less likely to be attacked and may withstand assaults from these pests.
In planted landscapes, a combination of tree and shrub species will limit mortality from beetles and wood borers.
Final Thoughts
If you think there might be a bark beetle infestation in your trees, don’t panic. Make sure to look out for tiny holes and the bark peeling off your trees. With the right treatment and education, you’ll be able to protect and prevent damage from these pests.
