Dead pine trees and beetles

Question: I've lost several dozen pine trees over the last 6 years.  I am attaching pictures of the bore holes on the trees.  Most holes are the size of a pencil lead.  Some are smaller.  Trees 1 and 2 are already dead.  Tree 3 is a picture of a tree that has lot some bark and the resin underneath.  Does this damage look like the result of Mountain Pine Beetle infestation or a different kind of beetle?  What can I do to protect the rest of my trees?  I have roughly 600 trees on 4 acres.

Thank you for your help!

responder: Jennifer Cook  Replied June 23, 2023, 1:50 PM EDT
response: Hi Steve, I need to see more of the tree but my first inclination is that this is the IPS beetle. The tiny holes are exit holes and the bigger holes are from woodpeckers. The area where the bark is removed is from a deer or elk or something rubbing the tree.   Here's the fact sheet for Ips beetle. https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/ips-beetles-5-558/ If there are many pitch tubes on the trunk, then it may be mountain pine beetle - https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/mountain-pine-beetle-5-528/  If you'd like to discuss further, please contact me directly at <personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden>.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 23, 2023, 6:03 PM EDT
response: Thank you very much, Jennifer!  I'll remove all of the slash from the area and stop piling wood next to trees and see if that makes a difference. Have a good weekend!On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 11:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 24, 2023, 4:29 PM EDT
response: In regard to beetles, is it safe to pile slash from dead trees, or does it need to be disposed of?  The slash is mostly dry.  If so, how far should it be piled from living trees?  Also, how far should firewood be stacked from living trees?  I'm not at a location where I can burn slash piles or haul the slash away.  I've been using old slash for kindling each year, but I'm concerned I'm spreading the beetle infestation. Thanks!On Fri, Jun 23, 2023 at 11:50 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jennifer Cook  Replied June 27, 2023, 5:03 PM EDT
response: Hi Steve, It's freshly cut wood that attracts the beetles. So old slash or firewood should be fine to stack near trees.  Stack freshly cut firewood as far as possible from living trees. Also remember to protect your home from wildfire by stacking firewood and piles of slash at least 50 feet from your house.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 27, 2023, 8:24 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your help! On Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 3:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 29, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT
response: Is there someone locally you can recommend who would come to our house, inspect the trees to verify that we do have Ips beetles, and determine a course of action? Thank you!On Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 6:23 PM Harmonica Music <<personal data hidden>> wrote:Thank you for your help!On Tue, Jun 27, 2023 at 3:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Jennifer Cook  Replied June 29, 2023, 3:46 PM EDT
response: You can contact me directly to set-up a field visit: <personal data hidden> or<personal data hidden>