Bark Beetles

Bark beetles are a group of insects that tunnel and reproduce under the bark of trees. Their name is descriptive of the way these insects live and mine between the bark and wood of trees and shrubs. This activity damages vascular tissue in the affected tree, impeding that tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Internal damage like this can be fatal and is especially problematic since these beetles commonly infest trees that already have root or bark injuries, or are experiencing stress from environmental factors such as drought. Some species of bark beetles are also known to carry harmful fungi that further accelerate the decline of an infested plant.

There are many different species of bark beetles that impact many different trees and shrubs. Pine and spruce trees are common hosts. In fact, in some areas bark beetles have decimated regional coniferous tree populations, affecting millions of acres of forest land. A few notable species include southern pine beetle, mountain pine beetle, pine shoot beetle, turpentine beetle and pine engraver beetle.

While bark beetles have become infamous for their impact on conifer trees, there are some that attack only deciduous trees. Elm bark beetle, oak bark beetle, and ash bark beetle are good examples and, as their names imply, these pests primarily prefer a single host species.