Many rumors and a lot of bad information is out there about the Mountain Pine Beetle. Hopefully these FAQs will clear up some of the confusion.
Do all trees need to be preventatively sprayed?
Before preventatively spraying a tree there should be a local threat of mountain pine beetle. Secondly, the tree needs to be around 8 inches in diameter at eye level. Trees to be sprayed should be “signature” trees (trees of high value). Ultimately the final decision will be based on how much money the property owner wishes to spend.How late can preventative spraying be done?
Preventative spraying should be done before the expected start of the pine beetles' flight. The longer into the flight period before spraying the greater chance that the spraying will not be effective. Our pine beetle initiative is May - JulyHow much does preventative spraying cost?
The cost of saving your trees depends on the number and size of trees to be sprayed. Trees only need to be treated once a year. It is more cost effectibe to take action by preventative spraying and treatment then to bear the costs of removing dead trees from your property. Contact us for special pricing and offers 1-877-PINE-BUGCan anyone apply preventative spray?
Anyone can legally spray his or her own trees but it can be extremely difficult to do it correctly and achieve the desired result. All sides of the tree need to be sprayed and it is necessary to get high enough on the tree (up to 120 feet) to be effective. Protective clothing needs to be worn and with some chemicals a formula must be followed.What are the natural enemies of the mountain pine beetle?
The primary enemy of the pine beetle is the woodpecker. There are also other insects and beetles that also prey on the pine beetles.Do solar treatments to kill pine beetles work?
Solar treatments to kill pine beetles do work but they are extremely difficult to do. If using plastic it needs to be clear and at least 6 mil thick. The wood should be stacked no more than one log high and receive 2-3 months of warm weather prior to flight time. There can be NO holes or rips in the plastic. Beetles emerging from the plastic covered logs sometimes die but usually chew through the plastic and fly away. At higher altitudes the plastic has a tendency to breakdown more rapidly under the exposure to ultraviolet light. Solar treatment with plastic is not a recommended method.Would transporting infested wood on a truck spread pine beetle?
Research shows that beetles do not emerge or infest trees along a haul route.Is the pine beetle harmful to people?
The mountain pine beetle is harmless to people.Where did the infestation start in British Columbia?
Pine beetle has always been present. There is no epicenter from which the infestation started. Low periods of infestation are called “endemics” and high periods are called “epidemics”.What types of trees are more likely to be attacked by the pine beetle?
The pine beetle attacks lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, and more rarely, white pine.How long between epidemic cycles?
There is no regular cycle to epidemics but on average an area might experience an epidemic every 10-50 years.Does cold weather kill the pine beetle and end an epidemic?
It depends on how cold it gets. The pine beetle produces its own “antifreeze” compounds that protect it from all but the coldest weather. Sudden cold snaps (-25 C) in early fall or late spring or sustained frigid weather (-40 C) in the winter can kill the pine beetle.As the pine beetle likes fresh cut timber, when should logging be suspended to avoid infecting an area?
It is recommended that cutting be suspended immediately prior to and during the expected flight of the pine beetle if you are within a mile of an infected area. It is also suggested cutting be stopped 1-2 months prior to allow fresh cuts time to dry so not to attract the pine beetle.When does the mountain pine beetle fly?
The pine beetle normally flies from mid July to mid September with very few exceptions.How far does the mountain pine beetle fly and in what direction?
The pine beetle flies only as far as needed to find another suitable tree to infest. It may be right next to the infested tree or it may be a mile away. Flights up to five miles have been documented. These would have required a strong wind or human assistance (infested firewood). The pine beetles normally fly upwind toward a source of attractant pheromones. Winds can vary greatly and thus are very unpredictable. This is why the direction of pine beetles' flight is difficult to predict.Are pitch tubes reliable indicators of a successful pine beetle attack?
Pitch tubes may convey to inexperienced eyes that pine beetle have visited the tree. However one needs to look for other symptoms and signs to determine if the tree was able to fend off an attack. A healthy tree may be able to “spit out” the pine beetles but the pitch tubes will remain.