Spring/Summer 2015

Invasive Pests:

Southern Pine Beetle

Since its arrival in Long Island last fall, the Southern Pine Beetle has destroyed thousands of trees.  Last month, scientists discovered new mass infestations, away from the mainland, on Fire Island. This has worried them greatly because it implies that the reach of this destructive pest is far greater than previously imagined.

The Southern Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus Frontalis, is a species of bark beetle that is between 2-4mm in length and infests Pine trees as well as marginal hosts such as Hemlock and Spruce. Native to the Southeastern United States, Mexico and Central America, the Southern Pine Beetle has made its way North only recently. In addition to Long Island, it has also been spotted in New Haven, Litchfield and Hartford counties of Connecticut in the past few months.

The adult beetle enters a tree through crevices in the bark and burrows itself in tunnels under the bark. It then begins feeding on the tree’s nutrients and killing it quickly in 2-3 months. Although Pine trees secrete a resin to ward off the intruders, it is of no match for the thousands of attacking beetles.

Signs of the Southern Pine Beetle in Pine trees:

1. Pitch Tubes or Popcorn shaped resin on the exterior of the bark
2. Shotgun patterned holes in the exterior of the bark
3. S-shaped tunnels under the Bark
4. Pine trees that have recently died have reddish-brown needles

Homeowners who notice any signs of the Southern Pine Beetle on their property should call Almstead immediately so an arborist can inspect the trees on the property. If an infestation is confirmed, we will suggest the best course of treatment as well as how to prevent it from spreading.

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