More About the Bark Beetle (Ips Engraver Beetle)

Description of the Bark Beetle

Pests of the West
Item # 99626 		Pests of the West

each $19.95
  • Topic: Pests
  • Keywords: Bark Beetle, pinon, tree, disease, infestation, Trees
  • Date: July 2002

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The first indication that a Pinon tree is being attacked by the bark beetle is the treetops quickly die back. Sawdust appears at the base of the tree, and holes emitting bright orange sawdust are noticeable up and down the trunk and main branches.

The beetles are 1/8”-1/4” long, reddish brown to black and bore into the tree to make egg galleries. The boring damages the flow of the tree’s fluids. The Ips beetle usually carries the Blue Stain Fungus, which is also deadly. Consequently, a tree that has not died from beetle attack will likely die from the fungus.

The best preventative measure is watering. Drought-weakened trees are the most susceptible to attack. Irrigage Pinons every two to three weeks in the summer and a couple of times in the winter.

An all-purpose fertilizer, such as Yum Yum Mix, should be applied at least once a year, in April or October.

To safeguard healthy trees spray with the Monterey “7” Carbaryl Insecticide. Also, the US Forest Service recommends spraying with Sevin. For more detailed information about spraying solutions, contact our Nursery Department at 473-3028.