PestMedium Severity

Black Turpentine Beetle

Dendroctonus terebrans

A bark beetle that attacks the bases of pine trees, creating large cavities between bark and wood filled with resinous fluid. While primarily attacking stressed or injured trees, they can also infest healthy pines under certain conditions.

Peak Season: Most active in mid-summer, but attacks can occur throughout the growing season. Multiple generations possible in warmer climates.
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Black turpentine beetles showing characteristic attacks on pine trees

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Large pitch tubes on base of stem
Crumbling resinous frass on ground at root crown
Reddening of individual branches
Large cavities between bark and wood (few square inches to over a square foot)
Irregular, longitudinal egg galleries several inches to feet long
Galleries packed with frass where eggs are laid
Resinous fluid filling cavities
Crown decline in heavily attacked trees

Potential Damage

Large cavities disrupt water and nutrient flow
Girdling potential at tree base
Weakening of tree structure
Entry points for secondary pathogens
Tree mortality in severe infestations
Reduced tree vigor and growth

Lifecycle

One or more generations per year. Heaviest attacks occur in mid-summer. All life stages may be present year-round in southern regions. Adults overwinter in trees and stumps attacked the previous season. Larvae are small, creamy white, and segmented, feeding through the inner bark in mass formation.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Maintain tree health and vigor

2

Provide adequate water during drought

3

Avoid mechanical injuries to trees

4

Remove severely infested trees

5

Apply preventive insecticide treatments to high-value trees

6

Improve growing conditions to reduce stress

Recommended Mauget Products

Imisol (Imidacloprid)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black turpentine beetle.

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Imicide (Imidacloprid)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black turpentine beetle.

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Dinocide (Dinotefuran)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black turpentine beetle.

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Vigor-53 (Tree health support)

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against black turpentine beetle.

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