Bark and Pine Beetles

What it looks like

Look for small tubes of pitch (sap) on the bark and fine reddish sawdust-like material at the base. The top or patches of the crown will fade and brown. In later stages, bark flakes off easily and reveals tunnel patterns (galleries) underneath.

When it shows up in the Triangle

Active from spring through fall, and tends to be worse in years following drought.

Where you’ll see it

Mainly pines, and occasionally other conifers, especially ones already weakened by drought or root rot.

What you can do

• Keep trees well-watered during dry spells to reduce stress
• Avoid overcrowding trees so they aren't competing for water and nutrients
• Watch for and address root rot or other underlying tree health issues
• Remove and dispose of severely infested trees promptly so beetles don't spread to healthy neighbors
• Don't bother treating a tree that's already declining — it won't reliably save it