Pests of pines

All species of pines are attacked by insects known as bark- and wood-boring beetles. As a group, these insects are highly damaging because they feed under tree bark. Bark beetles also bore under the bark of pines, but do not tunnel into the wood. Additionally, some bark beetle species can introduce vascular-clogging fungi. Both insect groups interrupt vascular tissue and damage phloem where feeding occurs. Pines that become stressed by drought, root damage, or are struck by lightning can be rapidly attacked and killed by pine-infesting beetles.