PestHigh Severity

Red Turpentine Beetles

Dendroctonus valens

Destructive bark beetles that attack the bases of pine trees, creating irregular longitudinal galleries filled with resinous frass. Both red and black turpentine beetles target healthy, dying, injured, or felled trees and stumps.

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Red turpentine beetle and characteristic pitch tubes on pine bark

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Pitch tubes on base of stem
Crumbling resinous frass on ground at root crown
Reddening of individual branches
Irregular longitudinal egg galleries several feet long
Cavities between bark and wood filled with resinous fluid
Mass formation of larvae feeding through inner bark

Potential Damage

Large cavities between bark and wood
Girdling at tree base leading to mortality
Weakening of tree structure
Secondary pathogen entry points
Complete tree death in severe infestations

Lifecycle

One or more generations per year. Heaviest attacks in mid-summer. Overwinter as larvae and adults in trees and stumps from previous season. In southern range, all life stages present year-round. Adults construct pupal cells in boring dust.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Preventive insecticide treatments on high-value trees

2

Remove and destroy infested trees promptly

3

Improve tree vigor through proper care

4

Reduce tree stress factors

5

Monitor for early attack signs

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against red turpentine beetles.

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Tree-äge

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against red turpentine beetles.

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Need Professional Diagnosis?

Our certified arborists can help you accurately identify tree problems and develop an effective treatment plan using Mauget's proven injection systems.

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