Mountain Pine Beetle
CRITICALDendroctonus ponderosae
Overview
A native bark beetle responsible for massive die-offs of lodgepole, ponderosa, and whitebark pines across western North America. Climate change has expanded its range northward and to higher elevations. Outbreaks have affected tens of millions of acres.
- Type
- Insect
- Severity
- CRITICAL
- Source
- USFS
Symptoms
Popcorn-shaped pitch tubes on trunk, boring dust in bark crevices, fading needle color from green to sorrel to gray, blue-stain fungus in sapwood cross-sections, woodpecker flaking of bark
Affected Species
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Verbenone Repellent Pouches
Anti-aggregation pheromone (verbenone) applied in pouches on high-value individual trees to deter beetle attack. Useful for protecting campground and residential trees but not practical at landscape scale.
Preventive Thinning and Salvage Logging
Reducing stand density and removing infested trees to slow beetle spread. Most effective when initiated early in an outbreak cycle. Improves vigor of remaining trees.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Mountain Pine Beetle. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Knocks down soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and scale crawlers.
Smothers overwintering eggs and crawlers; dormant or summer rates.
Soil-applied protection taken up by the tree for season-long control.
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mountain Pine Beetle?
A native bark beetle responsible for massive die-offs of lodgepole, ponderosa, and whitebark pines across western North America. Climate change has expanded its range northward and to higher elevations. Outbreaks have affected tens of millions of acres.
What are the symptoms of Mountain Pine Beetle?
Popcorn-shaped pitch tubes on trunk, boring dust in bark crevices, fading needle color from green to sorrel to gray, blue-stain fungus in sapwood cross-sections, woodpecker flaking of bark
Where is Mountain Pine Beetle currently found?
Mountain Pine Beetle is currently active in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. It has been reported in 9 total states across the United States.
What plants are affected by Mountain Pine Beetle?
Mountain Pine Beetle affects Ponderosa Pine, Eastern White Pine. Susceptibility varies by species.
How do I treat Mountain Pine Beetle?
Treatment options for Mountain Pine Beetle include: Verbenone Repellent Pouches, Preventive Thinning and Salvage Logging. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.