Can I treat the beetles myself?

Generally, no. Effective chemical treatments for Mountain Pine Beetle require specialized equipment and timing that only professional arborists can provide.

Will my other trees get infested?

Yes, these beetles can spread to nearby healthy pines. It is important to manage an infested tree quickly to protect the rest of your landscape.

Lodgepole pine: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the trunk for small, round holes.
Look for piles of fine, reddish sawdust near the base.
Check for sticky resin globs on the bark.

Likely causes

Mountain Pine Beetle
Most likely
How to tell: Look for small, shot-sized holes in the bark and reddish sawdust at the base of the tree. You might also see pitch tubes, which look like small globs of hardened resin on the trunk.
What to do: Contact a professional arborist immediately to assess if the tree can be saved. If the infestation is severe, the tree may need to be removed to protect nearby pines.
Secondary Borers
Possible
How to tell: These insects usually attack trees that are already stressed or dying from other causes. You will see similar exit holes but often on trees that already look sickly.
What to do: Improve the overall health of the tree by watering deeply during dry spells. Remove any dead or dying branches to discourage these pests from settling in.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lodgepole pine

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Any sign of Mountain Pine Beetle is a major concern that requires professional intervention. If the needles have already turned completely red, the tree is likely beyond saving.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy and vigorous through proper watering during the first few years. Avoid wounding the trunk with lawn equipment, as beetles are attracted to stressed trees.

Lodgepole pine: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your lodgepole pine and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I treat the beetles myself?: Generally, no. Effective chemical treatments for Mountain Pine Beetle require specialized equipment and timing that only professional arborists can provide.
Will my other trees get infested?: Yes, these beetles can spread to nearby healthy pines. It is important to manage an infested tree quickly to protect the rest of your landscape.

Why are there holes in my Lodgepole pine bark?