Bark Beetles

Bark Beetles (Scolytinae) Trees are a crucial element of the environment and an essential aspect of the landscape of your house. You could notice that your trees aren’t relatively as healthy as they once were. Our experienced horticulturists and arborists at Smith’s Pest Management work to prevent and eradicate the California bark beetle. We can assist you in rapidly and thoroughly resolving your infestation. We’ll talk about what attracts bark beetles to your trees, how to get rid of them, and how to prevent them in the future. What are Bark Beetles? Bark Beetles (also called the Pine Beetles) are insects that have been known to infest trees in enormous numbers, breeding in the inner bark of trees and wreaking havoc on both weakened and healthy plants. In the United States, there are over 600 species of bark beetles, the majority of which have developed over millions of years alongside their host trees. Bark beetles eat through a tree’s outer bark to lay their eggs in the inner bark layer. Over the previous two decades, mountain pine beetles have devastated 100,000 square kilometers of trees across North America. Identifications: Adult bark beetles are tiny cylindrical insects with rigid bodies approximately the size of a grain of rice. The majority of species are dark red, brown, or black. Their antennae are elbowed under magnification, with the outer segments more significant and clublike. When viewed from above, the pronotum wholly or partially obscures the head (the top of the body part behind the head). For eating, bark beetles have potent mandibles (jaws). A buckshot pattern of holes can be seen on the bark surface of afflicted branches or trunks where the new adults have developed. Most species’ larvae are off-white, robust, and grublike, with a dark brown head. Life Cycle: Bark beetles have four stages of cognitive development throughout their life: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Under the bark, all phases may be detected. The little white eggs are nestled in nooks along the egg gallery’s sidewalls. Larvae are little white grubs with a prominent head but no legs. They’re C-shaped and live in the feeding galleries on the egg gallery’s sides. Pupae are located at the end of the feeding passages in little chambers. Control: Besides basic tree-vigor enhancement methods, after a tree has been attacked, nothing can be done to manage most bark beetles. Insecticides are challenging to work since the beetles reside in a protected environment beneath the bark. Large numbers of beetles can emerge and damage host trees if afflicted trees are chopped down and contaminated materials are rapidly removed, burnt, or chipped on site. Infested debris should never be piled near a living tree or bush. Cultural Control: Tree Selection: Plant is only species that have been suitably acclimated to the environment. Learn about the cultural needs of trees and how to provide them with the attention they need to thrive. Healthy trees are less likely to be attacked and can withstand even a few bark beetle infestations—plant nonhost trees in areas where bark beetles have been a problem. Engraver beetles and red turpentine beetles, for example, avoid redwoods and Atlas cedars. Bark beetles and wood borers will be less likely to kill trees and shrubs in planted landscapes if there are diverse tree and shrub species. Reduce Tree Stress: Preventing bark beetles and other wood-boring insects is the most efficient management technique; in many cases, it is the only option. In the landscape, pay special attention to ancient, slow-growing trees, congested clusters of trees, and recently planted trees. In drought years, irrigation may be critical, especially for tree species native to areas where summer rain is plentiful. Biological Control: Natural enemies are drawn to eating and mating bark beetles when they attack trees. Predators are more essential than parasites in controlling bark beetle numbers. The release of predators and parasites into bark beetle-infested areas has not shown to be a successful method of controlling beetle populations. Behavioural Control: Bark beetles recruit or repel other individuals of the same species by emitting genus airborne chemicals. Pheromones are naturally occurring compounds that are extensively utilized as baits for bark beetle monitoring. Researchers are improving Pheromone-based management strategies. Only correctly qualified experts knowledgeable with bark beetle control are encouraged to use behavioural drugs at this time. Chemical Control: Adult beetles must be destroyed as they settle on trees and attempt to bore into the bark to lay eggs. Therefore treatment must target the adults by spraying the bark. Systemic pesticides have not been shown to prevent bark beetle attacks or control numbers. Trees that are severely infected or dead or dying due to prior beetle assaults cannot be rescued with pesticide treatments and must be destroyed. Apply a sylo insecticide: Sylo Insecticide is a synthetic, long-lasting systemic insecticide that is effective against pine bark beetles. When used early in an infestation, the pesticide is more effective. Spray the pesticide on the afflicted tree’s bark, trunk, branches, and twigs. When using the insecticide, use caution. Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.