How to identify and get rid of pine shoot beetles

Pine shoot beetles are tiny troublemakers that can wreak havoc on pine trees. These beetles are a type of bark beetle that originated in Europe and are devastating to the Scots pines in Poland.

They are most active during the spring and early summer when they emerge to feed on young pine sho ots, causing visible damage. Their behavior includes tunneling into the shoots and sometimes the bark of pine trees, which can stunt growth and weaken the overall structure of the tree. This feeding frenzy not only harms individual trees but can also lead to broader ecological disruptions.

These beetles typically have one generation per year in colder regions but may have two in warmer areas, allowing them to spread rapidly. After mating, females lay their eggs in the crevices of pine bark. The larvae then feed under the bark throughout the winter, emerging as adults in the spring.

Identifying pine shoot beetles can be tricky since they are so small and look like a lot of other small black beetles. Their bodies are cylindrical, which is common among bark beetles, and they have distinct short antennae that end in a three-segmented club. Infestations are noticeable by the presence of yellowing or browning needles, excessive resin on the tree’s surface, and small round holes on shoots where beetles enter.

How big are pine shoot beetles?

They grow to about 1/8 inch long. Sometimes they could be confused with a black turfgrass ataenius beetles.

They are originally found in northern Europe, but they were accidentally introduced into the U.S. Currently, they are found in the northeastern U.S. and the Great Lakes region. They are usually found in pine trees, particularly in new shoots or weakened areas of trees.

Dealing with pine shoot beetles can be frustrating, especially since you can’t necessarily see the pest that is causing all the damage. Here are a few ways you can fight back:

• Sanitation: Remove and destroy infested branches and trees to prevent the spread of beetles.
• Tree Health: Maintain tree health through proper watering, mulching, and fertilizing to help resist infestation.
• Timely Pruning: Prune trees during late winter or early spring to remove potential breeding sites before beetles become active.