When to Treat for Bark Beetles in Colorado

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is known for stunning landscapes filled with beautiful pine forests. However, these majestic trees face a silent threat – bark beetles. Beetle populations work hard and fast, which makes protection for your trees and shrubs that much more important. Integrated is here to help. Let’s dive into bark beetles and the best timing for treating these tiny yet problematic pests. 

What are Bark Beetles?

Bark beetles are small insects that target the bark of various trees, including pine trees found abundantly in Colorado. These pests can wreak havoc on the state’s forests, posing a significant risk to the health of individual trees and the entire ecosystem. Adult beetles are about the size of a grain of rice and most types are reddish-brown, or black. The adult beetles bore holes into trees to lay their eggs under the bark. When the eggs hatch, the beetle larvae feed on the tree’s inner bark or phloem. The small, white grubs then continue to tunnel inward, eventually killing the sapwood. 

The Best Time to Treat for Bark Beetles in Colorado

The best time of year to treat bark beetles is in late spring to early summer because the adult beetles will be looking for new host trees. Insecticides can be effective to prevent and control beetle populations. The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) recommends “spraying only high-value trees, such as those near homes, businesses, or recreation sites.” Homeowners should be on high alert during the spring when beetles are on the move. Look out for pitch tubes, boring dust, or exit holes in trees. It’s important to note that beetle-killed trees should be removed promptly as insecticides will not be able to save them.  

Types of Bark Beetles

Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB): Known for attacking lodgepole pines, ponderosa pines, and limber pines. While their life cycle is just one year, Mountain Pine Beetles are a major concern in Colorado.  

Spruce Beetle: This beetle targets spruce trees and contributes to beetle outbreaks, affecting forest health. Their life cycle is around two years on average. 

Ips Beetles: Sometimes referred to as “engraver beetles”, these beetles infest various conifers, including pine trees, spruce trees, and Douglas-fir trees. While they aren’t considered as aggressive as spruce beetles and MPBs, they are still a big problem, especially during drought periods or for trees that are already in decline. 

Identifying Infested Trees

Look for signs of beetle infestation, such as reddish-brown boring dust near bark crevices or around the base of the tree, pitch tubes that resemble small tubes of resin, and exit holes left by adult beetles. Woodpeckers are also natural predators of bark beetles. If you’re seeing more of them around your trees, that’s a surefire sign that you have a bark beetle infestation. Spotting beetle attacks quickly is crucial for the best control and protection. 

Your Local Experts for Healthy Tree and Shrub Care in Colorado Springs

Homeowners looking to protect their Colorado trees can trust the team at Integrated Lawn Care! Since 2001, we’ve offered professional tree and shrub care in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Palmer Lake, Peyton, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Black Forest, and surrounding areas. We know what it takes to maintain healthy trees in the front range. Our tree care services include an inspection from a certified arborist, bark beetle control and prevention, deep-root fertilization, disease control, and more. And we don’t stop at bark beetles; our insect control targets various borers, Douglas Fir Tussock Moths, and more. Contact us today to see how we can help you protect your Colorado trees and shrubs this spring.