PestHigh Severity

Mountain Pine Beetles

Dendroctonus ponderosae, D. brevicomis (Western Pine Beetle)

Native bark beetles of western North America that have caused unprecedented forest destruction, possibly the largest forest insect blight ever seen in North America. Climate change has contributed to outbreak severity, with millions of acres affected and significant impacts on forest ecosystems.

Peak Season: Adult emergence: Few days during summer for dispersal flightsAttack period: Summer months during favorable weatherDevelopment time: 1 year in low elevations, 1-2 years at high elevationsPopulation factors: Warm summers and mild winters increase survivalControl factor: Winter lows of -40°F can reduce populations
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Mountain pine beetle damage and pitch tubes

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Popcorn-shaped masses of resin (pitch tubes) where beetles entered
Needles turning red within a year of attack indicating tree death
Grey appearance of trees 3-4 years after attack with little foliage
Blue stain fungus visible in sapwood
Mass attacks on multiple adjacent trees
S-shaped galleries under bark created by larvae

Potential Damage

Massive forest destruction - over 16 million hectares affected in British Columbia
Tree mortality within weeks of successful attack
Disrupted water and nutrient transport from fungal colonization
Ecosystem-level impacts on forest composition and wildlife habitat
Economic losses from timber mortality and fire risk
Climate change acceleration from reduced carbon sequestration

Lifecycle

Female beetles initiate attacks, releasing pheromones that attract mass attacks. Beetles introduce blue stain fungus that helps overcome tree defenses. Four life stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult) spend most time beneath bark. Life cycle varies from 1 year in warm conditions to 2 years at high elevations.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Imicide applications for high-value individual trees

2

Systemic Imisol treatments for comprehensive protection

3

Forest management practices to reduce susceptible stands

4

Address tree stress factors that increase vulnerability

5

Early detection and rapid response in new outbreak areas

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against mountain pine beetles.

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Imisol

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against mountain pine beetles.

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