|
 Probably the most common
sign of bark beetle infestation is the presence of small
holes on the outside of the bark and tiny groove-like
channels on the inside. Often, sap, pitch or sawdust
will be coming out of the holes. Although it may be
difficult to detect, there may be some browning of
leaves involved.
Like a lot of tree pests,
bark
beetles tend to infest older, weaker trees in the
home landscape. Young trees with smooth bark are not
bothered. They need mature bark which they can lay their
eggs on so the newly hatched larvae can burrow
underneath to grow into adults.
In themselves, bark
beetles are most damaging as vectors for serious tree
diseases. They are known to be the major carriers of
Dutch elm disease and some other fungal wilt diseases
which will ultimately kill the tree. |
