The native species of pine bark beetles found in Georgia are three species of Ips engraver beetles, the southern pine beetle or SPB, and the black turpentine beetle. A dying pine may have multiple bark beetle species feeding in it.
Pine Bark Beetles are the most important forest insect pests due to the catastrophic mortality they cause during outbreak periods. The southern pine beetle in particular, periodically causes massive losses in many parts of Georgia and should be taken into account with the management of any pine dominated forest.
All five species of pine bark beetles are naturally occurring insects to the southeastern United States, and epidemics of these pests killing vast expanses of pines was documented in colonial times. Environmental stresses to trees can’t be avoided, but good forest management that controls density within stands can create vigorous stands that tend to suffer less mortality during these outbreak periods.
Resources
- Georgia 2022 SPB Prediction Trapping Results
- Georgia 2023 SPB Prediction Trapping Results
- Pine Bark Beetles in Urban Areas
- Pine Bark Beetles in Urban Areas Brochure
- Southern Pine Bark Beetle Brochure
- Southern Pine Bark Beetle Brochure (2013)
- Southern Pine Bark Beetle Coloring Book
- Southern Pine Beetle – Biology, Prevention, and Restoration
- Southern Pine Beetle County Hazard Rating Maps