PestHigh Severity

Southern Pine Beetle

Dendroctonus frontalis

One of the most economically important bark beetles in southern United States forests. Small reddish-brown to black beetle about the size of a grain of rice that attacks many pine species, creating characteristic S-shaped galleries under bark.

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Southern pine beetle and characteristic S-shaped galleries

Identification & Symptoms

What to Look For

Trees with reddish brown crowns surrounded by green trees
White pitch tubes on bark
Running pitch on trunk
Sawdust at base of tree
Small round emergence holes in bark
S-shaped or curved galleries under bark

Potential Damage

Girdling of trees from larval galleries
Introduction of lethal fungi
Complete tree mortality
Creation of expanding infestation 'hot spots'
Massive economic losses in forestry

Lifecycle

Several overlapping generations per year. Development faster in summer (26 days) than winter (54 days). Females attack trees 6-30 feet above ground, create galleries for mating and egg laying. Larvae feed in inner bark, pupate in outer bark.

Professional Treatment Approach

1

Remove and destroy infested trees promptly

2

Preventive insecticide treatments on high-value trees

3

Maintain forest health and diversity

4

Monitor for early infestation signs

5

Create firebreaks to prevent spread

Recommended Mauget Products

Imicide

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against southern pine beetle.

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Tree-äge

Professional-grade treatment specifically effective against southern pine beetle.

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Need Professional Diagnosis?

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