Bark Beetles of Southern Pines - Identification and Control

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Bark Beetles of Southern Pines - Identification and Control

Georgia Forestry Commission

Authors:

C. Wayne Berisford , Professor of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens

U. Eugene Brady , Professor of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens

V. Rodney Coleman , Extension Entomologist, The University of Georgia, Athens

Louis H. Kudon , Post Doctoral Associate, Department of Entomology, The University of Georgia, Athens

Terry S. Price , Forest Entomologist, Georgia Forestry Commission, Macon

John W. Taylor , Integrated Pest Management Specialist, USDA-Forest Service, Southern Region, Atlanta

George D. (Ted) Walker , Extension Forester, The University of Georgia, Athens

Supported by the USDA, Forest Service, Forest Insect and Disease Management, Southern Region, Atlanta; TheGeorgia Forestry Commission, Macon; The Georgia Experiment Station.

Introduction

Bark beetles of southern pines frequently cause considerable concern among forest pest management specialists,landowners and land managers alike. The most aggressive species, the southern pine beetle, can rapidly increase itsnumbers to epidemic proportions leaving thousands of dead pines in its wake. The black turpentine beetle and Ipsspp. bark beetles may also cause serious problems, although they usually do not kill large numbers of trees in onespot. This publication is intended to help determine which bark beetles are killing trees, to determine if control isnecessary, and to help choose the most practical method for controlling bark beetles in a given situation. Ifchemical control is selected, this guide will help ensure its effectiveness.

Although several control methods are available, chemical control may often be the most practical and economicalsolution, particularly where high-value trees are involved. The techniques for safe and effective applications ofpesticides for bark beetle control are straightforward and easy to follow. However, failure to follow these guidelinesmay result in ineffective control, added expense and unnecessary exposure of nontarget organisms or areas topesticides.

Identification of Bark Beetles

Techniques for Bark Beetle Control

Control Procedures

References

Bark Beetles of Southern Pines - Identification and Control

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Berisford, C. W. and U.E. Brady. 1876. Duration of Protection of Loblolly Pines From Ips Bark Beetles by Lindane.J. Econ. Entomol. 69:357-8.

Berisford, C.W., U.E. Brady, R.F. Mizell 111, J.H. Lashomb, G.L. Fitzpatrick, I.R. Ragenovich, and F.L. Hastings .1980. A Technique for Testing Insecticides for Preventive Control of Bark Beetles. J. Econ. Entomol. 73:694-697.

Berisford, C.W., U.E. Brady, G.E. Fitzpatrick, C.K. Franklin, F.L. Hastings, A.S. Jones, J.H. Lashomb, R.F. Mizell111, W.W. Neel, and I.R. Ragenovich. 1981a. Efficacy Studies: Prevention. In Field and Laboratory Evaluations ofInsecticides for Southern Pine Beetle Control. F.L. Hastings and J.E. Coster, Eds. USDA, FS Southeastern ForestExperiment Station. General Technical Report SE-21.

Berisford, C.W., U.E. Brady, G.E. Fitzpatrick, J.H. Lashomb, R.F. Mizell 111, W.W. Neel and I.R. Ragenovich. 1981b.Efficacy Studies: Remedial. In Field and Laboratory Evaluations of Insecticides for Southern Pine Beetle Control.F.L. Hastings and J.E. Coster, Eds. USDA, FS Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. General Technical ReportSE-21.

Berisford, C.W., U.E. Brady, and I.R. Ragenovich. 1981c. Residue Studies. In Field and Laboratory Evaluations ofInsecticides for Southern Pine Beetle Control. F.L. Hastings and J.E. Coster, Eds. USDA, FS Southeastern ForestExperiment Station. General Technical Report SE-21.Berisford, C.W., R.H. Turnbow, and U.E. Brady. 1982.Selective Application of Insecticides for Prevention of Southern Pine Beetle Attack. J. Econ. Entomol. 75:458-461.

Brady, U.E., C.W. Berisford, T.L. Hall, and J.S. Hamilton. 1980. Efficacy and Persistence of Chlorpyrifos,Chlorpyrifos-methyl and Lindane for Preventive and Remedial Control of the Southern Pine Beetle. J. Econ.Entomol. 73:639-641.

Kenaga, E.F. and R.W. Morgan. 1978. Commercial and Experimental Organic Insecticides. Special Publication 78-1.Entomological Society of America, College Park, MD.

Merkel, E.P. 1981. Control of the Black Turpentine Beetle. Georgia Forestry Research Paper No. 15. 4 pp.

Swain, K.M. and M.C. Remion. 1981. Direct Control Methods for the Southern Pine Beetle. USDA AgriculturalHandbook No. 575. 15 pp.

Wilkinson, R.C. and J.L. Foltz. 1982. Ips Engraver Beetles: Identification, Biology, and Control. Georgia ForestryResearch Paper No. 35. 10 pp.

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Identification of Bark Beetles: Bark Beetles of Southern Pines

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Identification of Bark Beetles

Often the first most obvious indication of bark beetle attacks in pines are yellowing or red crowns. These symptomsusually are evident long after initial attacks have occurred. Since fire, mechanical damage, disease, herbicides, etc.may cause similar symptoms, the presence of bark beetles should be verified before any control action iscontemplated.

On closer examination of a tree, early evidence of bark beetle damage is usually readily visible and easy to identify.This evidence includes pitch tubes or brown boring dust on the outside of the bark, characteristic galleries beneaththe bark, and beetle adults and larvae in the inner bark.

Techniques for the control of bark beetles may differ according to the beetle species. Therefore, correctidentification is essential before using insecticides for bark beetle control. There are three important groups of barkbeetles in the south. They are: (1) the southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman (SPB), (2) the blackturpentine beetle, Dendroctonus terebrans Olivier (BTB), and (3) three species of Ips beetles, Ips avulsus(Eichhoff), I. grandicollis (Eichhoff) and I. calligraphus (Germar), which are common in most areas, and I. pini(Say), which frequently attacks, white pines in the mountains. Since they have similar habits, Ips spp. beetles willbe considered as a group.

Black Turpentine Beetle

The BTB is about ¼ inch long and is the largest of the pine bark beetles. Its rounded abdomen is typical of thegenus Dendroctonus and its large size easily separates it from the otherwise similar SPB (Fig. 1).

Attacks by the BTB are characterized by large pitch

tubes an inch or more in diameter concentrated around

the basal portion of a tree up to a height of 8-10 feet

(Fig. 2). The characteristic egg galleries made by the

adults extend from the entry point (pitch tube)

downward and parallel with the grain for 12-18 inches.

Eggs are deposited along one side of this gallery and the

larvae feed "shoulder to shoulder" in large groups

during their development. This group feeding habit

makes a characteristic "feeding patch" (Fig. 3). If the

feeding patches are evident but no beetles are present,

they have vacated the tree and no chemical treatment is

warranted. Trees attacked by BTBs often survive

because the BTB does not carry blue stain fungi as do

the SPB and Ips beetles. BTB larvae must girdle a tree

before it will die. However, sublethal infestations may

weaken trees, thereby predisposing them to Ips beetle

attack. The publication on chemical control of the BTB

Fig. 1. Southern pine beetle (left), rice

grain and Black turpentine beetle (right).

Identification of Bark Beetles: Bark Beetles of Southern Pines

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by Merkel (1981) contains more detailed information.

Ips Beetles

The southern Ips spp. vary considerably in size but they

all have the same general appearance and their habits

are similar. Ips spp. beetles are easily separated from

Dendroctonus spp. by the shape of the posterior part of

the abdomen. Whereas beetles of the genus

Dendroctonus have rounded abdomens, Ips spp. have

concave abdomens with 4-6 spines on each side of the

concavity (Fig. 4). To the unaided eye, the abdomen

appears to be "chopped off".

Fig. 2. Black turpentine beetle pitch tubes

Fig. 3. Black turpentine beetle feeding patch.

Attacks by Ips spp. often cause small pitch tubes to form at the point of attack. These are usually less than ½ inchin diameter but generally cannot be distinguished from those associated with SPB attacks. On severely weakenedtrees, the only evidence of early stages of attack is brown sawdust accumulated in bark crevices and on spider webson the trees.

Ips spp. beetles make characteristic egg galleries that are easy to recognize. These beetles are polygamous with 2 to5 females associated with each male and gallery construction reflects this habit. Male beetles usually initiate attacksand form a cavity called a nuptial chamber in the inner bark at the point of attack. Females join the male andconstruct egg galleries which radiate out from the nuptial chamber and are generally parallel with the grain ofsapwood (Fig. 5). These galleries usually groove the sapwood and are generally free from boring dust. Eggs aredeposited along the sides of these galleries and then fan out to utilize the available food (Fig. 6). The larvae of someIps spp. make round or oval feeding chambers at the end of their feeding gallery.

Larvae, pupae and adults are readily visible if the bark is removed down to the sapwood (Fig. 7). If Ips galleries arepresent but no life stages are visible, the bark should contain numerous exit holes and the tree will not requiretreatment. Successful Ips attacks almost always kill the host tree. Although attacks by Ips avulsus (the smallest Ips)will sometimes kill tops or limbs but not the entire tree. Details of Ips spp. habits may be found in Wilkinson andFoltz (1982).

Fig. 4. Ips spp. abdomen. Fig. 7. Ips spp. under bark

Identification of Bark Beetles: Bark Beetles of Southern Pines

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Fig. 5. Ips spp. egg galleries. Fig. 6. Feeding galleries of Ips spp. larvae

Southern Pine Beetles

Evidence of SPB attack is similar to that of Ips beetles, i.e. small pitch tubes and/or brown boring dust (Fig. 8). Thebark should be removed to make positive identification. The SPB makes characteristic "S-shaped" galleries thatwind through the inner bark of the host trees (Fig. 9). These galleries are normally packed with brown dust calledfrass. Eggs are laid along both walls of the galleries and larvae tunnel a short distance (usually less than ½ inch)from the oviposition site. Larval galleries end in a "feeding chamber" where the larvae complete their developmentand pupate. The larval habits of southern pine beetles differ from Ips beetles. The larvae are frequently not visiblein the bark when it is removed from the sapwood since they normally tunnel into the outer bark during later larvalstages. Larval galleries and feeding chambers may be visible, but the presence or absence of larvae, pupae or broodadults often may be confirmed only by removing frass from feeding chambers on the inside of the bark or byremoval of outer bark down to the area infested by the beetles (Fig. 10). Trees which have been vacated by SPBsshould not be sprayed. This only increases costs and may kill natural enemies of the beetles which have not yet leftthe trees.

Fig. 8. Pitch tubes of southern pine beetles

Fig. 9. Characteristic southern pine beetle galleries (winding S-shaped)

Identification of Bark Beetles: Bark Beetles of Southern Pines

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Fig. 10. Stripping outer bark to expose beetle brood

Fig. 11. Blue stain

If SPBs or Ips beetles have successfully constructed egg galleries, they usually have introduced blue stain fungi intothe wood (Fig. 11) and the trees will die even if they are sprayed. Therefore, even though treatment of recentlyattacked green trees will prevent additional attacks and kill most of the beetle broods which develop, the treescannot be saved. If other trees are being removed from an infestation, these green infested trees should be removedalso. Beetle infestations that occur in the fall frequently die out during the winter and do not require any actionexcept monitoring. You may wish to contact your county forester or extension agent regarding a decision on whetheror not to apply controls and what method is most appropriate.

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Techniques for Bark Beetle Control

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Techniques for Bark Beetle Control

Salvage – This technique is usually feasible only when a relatively large volume of wood is available. Prompt actionin salvaging large infestations is often necessary to prevent beetle expansion and to realize the best possible returnfrom the sale of infested trees. Any trees containing beetle broods in salvage operations should be removed from thesite before beetles emerge.

Cut and Leave – This course of action is best suited for large timber stands because the resulting downed treesprevent or inhibit further immediate utilization of the land. Attacked trees and a border of healthy trees are felledtoward the center of the spot. High temperatures on the top of the trees, increased humidity on the bottom, andincreased predation from other forest insects and animals, may combine with disruption of emergence and attackpatterns (time and distance) to make this an alternative for beetle control. Results of recent research are ambiguousas to the efficacy of this technique.

Pile and Burn – This may be a viable option for small infestations in rural areas. The trees are felled in the samemanner as for the cut and leave or salvage techniques. Heavy equipment is often necessary to pile trees together sothey can be burned. These direct control techniques are described in detail by Swain and Remion (1981).

Chemical Application – Chemicals will protect healthy trees and/or kill broods of beetles within infested trees ifthey are used properly. The cost of spraying is often small when weighed against the value placed on the tree, thecost of tree removal, or potential damage of expanded beetle infestations. If chemical control is selected, the mostcost-effective control can be realized only by correct identification of the beetle species involved, careful selectionof trees to be treated, and correct application of the insecticides.

The following procedural guide will help you select chemicals, techniques and equipment to maximize benefits fromchemical control while minimizing detrimental effects.

Selection of Chemicals – There are currently 3 insecticides registered for control of bark beetles on southernpines. These are lindane, chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4E) and fenitrothion (Sumithion 8E) . Landowners may purchaselindane for their own use without an applicator's license. Although Dursban 4E and Sumithion 8E are not restricteduse pesticides and a pesticide applicator's license is not required to purchase or use them; they bear labeling thatlimits their use to professional applicators. There is no such limitation on the use of lindane. The selection ofchemicals will usually be dictated by their effectiveness, safety and relative costs for each application. Chemicalsselected for preventive control may be less desirable for remedial control than other compounds.

- Preventive Control -

For economic preventive control a chemical should be selected which will prevent attacks for relatively long periods(3-12 months). If prevention is deemed necessary for a relatively short period, for instance 2-3 months in the fallbefore low temperatures terminate beetle activity, then selection of a chemical with a shorter residual life may savemoney and reduce nontarget contamination. For preventive control, lindane will protect pines for up to 12 monthsfrom SPB and Ips beetles (Berisford and Brady, 1976; Brady et al., 1980; Berisford et al., 1981a). Chlorpyrifos andfenitrothion can provide protection from SPB for about 3 months (Brady et al., 1980; Berisford, et al., 1981a) andpresumably can provide similar protection from Ips spp. Lindane can usually prevent BTB infestation for onegrowing season whereas such information on Dursban and Sumithion is not yet available.

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- Remedial Control -

Chemicals for remedial control are not required to have long residual. Since they are designed to kill beetles andbrood developing within a tree, 2-3 weeks residual is usually all that is necessary. Lindane, chlorpyrifos andfenitrothion all provide good remedial control of SPB and Ips spp. although chlorpyrifos and fenitrothion appear tobe slightly better (Berisford et al., 1981b). These compounds also break down faster in the environment thanlindane. The BTB is difficult to control in a remedial situation because it attacks at the base of the trees, frequentlyvery large ones, where they are protected by very thick bark. Lindane appears to be somewhat better than either ofthe other compounds in this case. Efficacy of lindane is increased by using a fuel oil carrier instead of water.However, stressed trees or thin-barked trees may be damaged by the oil.

- Cost of Control -

Costs of bark beetle control obviously are an important factor in deciding what chemical to use. In fact, costs maydetermine if any chemicals will be used. When determining relative costs, several factors should be kept in mind.

1. Costs of different chemical concentrates per gallon etc. may be deceiving since concentrations may varysubstantially. Be sure you know what you are buying.

2. The recommended concentrations for chemicals are often different for remedial vs. preventive control. Actualcosts per tree vary according to the beetle species involved, whether trees are standing or felled, andobviously the size of the trees. Costs for BTB control are lowest since only the basal portion of trees need betreated for either remedial or preventive control. Remedial control for SPB and Ips beetles is mosteconomical if trees are felled first since there is little overspray or drift. However, felling and turning costsmay represent additional expense unless trees are to be cut anyway. Spraying standing trees for SPB and/orIps spp. is the most expensive operation. Trees must be treated well into the live crown resulting in someoverspray and drift due to the high pressures required and the difficulty in keeping the spray stream on thetree at all times.

- Relative Risks to Applicators and Non-Target Areas -

All of the chemicals registered for bark beetles of southern pines are toxic to other organisms including humans.Some are more toxic than others, depending on how and when they are contacted, i.e. whether they are swallowed(oral toxicity) or are only in contact with the skin (dermal toxicity). The toxicity of all compounds must beestablished before they can be registered for use. The terminology for determining toxicity is standardized so onemay easily compare relative toxicities of selected chemicals. Table 1 shows the relative oral and dermal toxicities oflindane, chlorpyrifos and fenitrothion. Toxicity is reported as the LD50 which is the amount of a compound thatconstitutes a lethal dose for 50 percent of a test population. The LD50 is expressed in milligrams (mg) of compoundper kilogram (kg) of body weight of the animal receiving the dose. Therefore, chemicals with the lowest LD50s arethe most toxic. These figures vary with the species of test animal and are based on tests with pure samples and notthe diluted formulations available for purchase.

Once insecticide sprays have dried on trees, they represent little risk to humans or other mammals (Berisford et. al.,1981c). However, in the process of spraying for bark beetles, nontarget organisms may be adversely affected. Caremust be taken to minimize nontarget contamination to insure that pets, beneficial insects such as bees, watersupplies and fish are not adversely affected. Do not spray under windy conditions or near lakes or streams. Whennear edible crops, do not spray more than necessary to wet the bark as excessive spray only runs off.

Certain ornamental plants may be damaged by insecticides so you should minimize drift.

Table 1. Oral and dermal toxicity of chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion and lindane tolaboratory animals.

> LD50 1

Insecticide Oral Dermal

Chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4E formulation) 82-245 202

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Fenitrothion (Sumithion 8E formulation) 250-740 200- 3000

Lindane 76-200 500-1200

1 Each figure represents the LD50 of oral and dermal treatments to laboratory animals (white rats) (Kenaga andMorgan, 1978).

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Control Procedures

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Control Procedures

Preparation of Spray Solutions

The insecticides registered for control of bark beetles of southern pines are all formulated as emulsifiableconcentrates and readily mix with water.

Read the label! Labels always carry instructions for mixing certain volumes of finished spray. However, it isconvenient to know the formula for dilution of a concentrate so that any amount of finished spray may be prepared.Lindane is normally formulated at 20 percent active ingredient but the label should be checked before mixing.Suminithion 8E contains 8 pounds of fenitrothion per gallon. Dursban 4E contains 4 pounds of chlorpyrifos pergallon. The ratio of water to insecticide formulation must be calculated to achieve the proper dilution for a finishedspray.

When the active ingredient of a formulation is specified by percent (e.g. Lindane 20%) then the following formula isused.

(Desired Percent of finished spray) x (Desired Amount of finished spray) (Percent Concentration of formulation)

The following is an example of this:

To prepare 100 gallons of 0.5% lindane spray:

.5% x 100 gallons = 2.5 gallons 20%

Add 2.5 gallons of 20% lindane EC to 97.5 gallons of water.

If the undiluted formulation is given as pounds per active ingredient per gallon (e.g. Sumithion 8E) then use thefollowing formula:

(Desired percent of (Desired amount of (weight of finished spray) x finished spray) x water per gallon) (pounds of active ingredient per gallon x 100

The following are examples:

To prepare 60 gallons of 2% chlorpyrifos spray:

2% x 60 gallons x 8.34 lbs./gallon = 2.5 gallons 4 lbs./gallon x 100

Control Procedures

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Add 2.5 gallons of Dursban 4E to 57.5 gallons of water.

To prepare 50 gallons of 1% fenitrothion spray:

1% x 50 gallons x 8.34 lbs./gallon = .53 gallons 8 lbs./gallon x 100

Add .53 gallons of Sumithion 8E to 49.47 gallons of water.

When mixing, it is essential that you measure very carefully. If concentrates are being added to a large tank, be sureyou know how much water is in the tank. Accurate measurement of pesticide is useless if you do not accuratelymeasure the amount of water (the carrier) that will be used to dilute the concentrate.

Before you begin any application you should be sure that the concentrate has been thoroughly mixed with the watercarrier.

Safety EquipmentProtective clothing and other safety equipment should be worn during

all phases of preparation and application of toxicants for bark beetle

control. Persons who handle or apply insecticides should wear the

following:

A good respirator with replaceable filters.

Eye protection. Safety glasses or goggles should be constructed in such

a way that they prevent entry of material from the sides.

Respirators are available which have a face shield for eye protection

and respirator incorporated into one unit (Fig. 12).

A hat, preferably a hard hat with a wide brim.

Rubber gloves.

Coveralls or outer garments which can be removed easily when

contaminated.

Rubber boots.

Fig. 13 shows an applicator wearing the proper equipment to spray for

bark beetle control.

Fig. 12. Combination respirator/face shield

(center)

Fig. 13. Applicator wearing safety gear

Application of Finished Spray

Once you have selected the chemicals and made the proper dilution you are ready to apply the finished spray.

Preventive Treatment - If you determine that trees need protection only from the BTB, then the trees you haveselected and marked will need to be sprayed only on the basal 10 ft. Spray until the bark is thoroughly wet and besure to spray around exposed roots at the base. It may be necessary to rake some debris away from the roots for

Control Procedures

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good coverage.

Prevention of Ips spp. attack requires that trees are sprayed well up into the live crown, preferably to the areawhere the stem diameter is about 4 inches. Spray until the bark is wet over the entire bole.

SPB attacks can be prevented by applications similar to those for Ips beetles. However, it has been shown (Beriford,et al. 1982) that SPB attacks can be prevented by spraying only the top half of trees. This approach probably worksbecause most initial SPB attacks occur above midbole. Also, a considerable quantity of spray runs down barkcrevices onto the lower bole and SPBs normally attack in bark crevices.

Remedial Treatment - Identify and mark only those trees

which still contain some life stage of bark beetles (adults,

larvae, pupae).

If possible, fell trees infested with Ips spp. or southern pine

beetle before spraying. Trees successfully attacked by these

species always die and usually must be cut anyway. Low

volume and low pressure sprayers may be used on felled

trees; they require much less insecticide and nontarget

contamination is minimized. Spray the entire infested area

on each tree. This may be only 6-10 feet for BTB attacks.

Felled trees should be cut and turned for good coverage

(Fig.14). Proper coverage on standing trees infested with

SPBs or Ips requires high pressure and high volume

sprayers.

Fig. 14. Spraying and turning felled trees

Selection of Spray Equipment

Spraying felled trees or treating for BTB's - When only the basal portion of trees are sprayed for BTB or whenfelled trees are sprayed for remedial control of Ips spp. and SPB, small "backpack" or "hudson type" sprayers maybe used. These are especially convenient when only a few trees require treatment. For similar treatments on largenumbers of trees, low pressure and low volume power sprayers may be more convenient.

Spraying Standing Trees - To effectively spray standing trees, especially large ornamental trees, specializedequipment is required. Sprayers for this task must deliver high volumes of liquid at high pressures. These sprayersmust be capable of delivering a solid stream into the crowns of trees to be treated. On large trees, the spray mustsometimes reach 70-80 feet.

Safety Precautions

During all phases of preparation, application and cleanup of chemicals for bark beetle control, be sure to observe allrules of pesticide safety. These rules are:

Read the label - In addition to providing mixing instructions, the label also contains information on dealing withaccidental poisoning. Remember, different insecticides may require different tactics.

Wear protective equipment - The proper equipment should be worn whenever insecticides are handled, not justwhen actual applications are made. Insecticides are more likely to cause poisoning as concentrates than afterdilution.

Avoid contamination of nontarget areas - Prevent direct application or drift into areas frequented by people

Control Procedures

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and pets. Do not apply toxicants on or near lakes and streams. Do not spray where honeybee colonies or ediblecrops could be contaminated.

Clean and store equipment properly - Sprayers and holding tanks should be cleaned after use. Care must betaken to prevent pesticides from getting into streams, lakes or wells. Empty containers should be punctured andburied in approved landfills.

Store chemicals properly - Insecticides should be kept in their original containers and stored in a well ventilatedsecure area.

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