The Hidden Killer in Your Pines
How to Stop Bark Beetles Before It's Too Late
Pine bark beetles are small insects that attack pine trees weakened by drought, poor maintenance, or environmental stress. They bore into the bark to feed and reproduce, cutting off the tree’s ability to circulate water and nutrients. If left untreated, infestations can spread rapidly and devastate entire landscapes.
Pine Bark Beetles are small, wood-boring insects that infest and kill pine trees, particularly those that are stressed, weakened, or poorly maintained. They bury into the bark to reach the nutrient-rich inner layer, where they feed and create complex tunnel systems to lay their eggs. As the larvae hatch and continue feeding, they disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually leading to the tree's decline and death. A single infested tree can quickly become a breeding ground, putting surrounding pines at risk.
Implement Regular Tree Maintenance
Minimizing tree stress is key to prevention– these beetles are usually a symptom, not the main cause – it’s typically a stressed or weakened tree that attracts them in the first place. Deep, infrequent watering during droughts, mulching to retain moisture, and avoiding soil compaction around the root zone all support tree health. Proper pruning, allowing for good airflow, removal of dead wood to lessen the attraction of any pest and regular health monitoring help keep pine trees strong and more resistant to beetle attacks.
Apply Preventative Insecticide Treatments
Preventative insecticide treatments can help protect healthy trees from bark beetle attacks. These treatments are typically sprayed on the trunk and major branches before beetle flight season begins and are most effective when used before infestation occurs—not as a cure for already compromised trees.
If your pine tree has been infested by bark beetles, it is unlikely to survive. Infested trees act as breeding grounds, allowing beetles to spread quickly to nearby healthy trees. To contain the outbreak, affected trees should be removed and properly disposed of before beetles can emerge and infest others.
Work with a Professional Arborist or Tree Care Service
If you have multiple trees or are unsure about tree health or proper treatment, consult experts like Hogue Landscape Services.
How we can help:
Perform tree health assessments to identify early signs of stress.
Recommend and apply preventative care and treatments.
Guide you on long-term care plans for landscape resilience.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Once symptoms appear, beetles are often already deeply entrenched. Prevention and early intervention are key. Taking action now is the only way to ensure your pines stay healthy and your landscape remains beautiful.
Have a lot of pine trees on your property? Let Hogue Landscape Services help protect your investment by keeping your trees healthy and strong—our team can assess their condition, recommend proper care, and apply preventative insecticide treatments to guard against bark beetle infestations. Don’t wait until damage appears, because then it’s too late—take action now to preserve the beauty and safety of your landscape.
