SUMMER 2004 1

Nature is constantly changing the environment in which we live. The extensive 

wildfi res of 1988 in Yellowstone National 

Park are an example of dramatic and rapid 

change. Fluctuations in insect populations 

and the regeneration of trees are more 

subtle changes that occur over several years, but 

they too can have dramatic results.

In the 1960’s and 70’s, a mountain pine beetle 

epidemic caused dramatic changes by killing 

mature lodgepole pine trees on thousands of acres 

of the Targhee National Forest (now part of the 

Caribou-Targhee National Forest). The landscape 

changed even further when a salvage-logging and 

reforestation program was implemented to recover 

economic value from the dead trees and establish 

new tree seedlings. 

Although sometimes viewed by humans as 

catastrophic, forest insect epidemics are natural 

events. Native insects and the plants they use for 

food and reproduction have evolved together. 

Unlike some introduced pests, such as Dutch elm 

disease, native insects kill individuals, but do not 

threaten the existence of an entire plant species. 

Native insect epidemics are only a problem when 

they confl ict with values that humans have for an 

area (i.e., recreation, scenic beauty, wildlife habitat, 

timber products or property values). A tree in the 

wilderness does not have the same human value as 

a tree in your backyard!

Insect populations have been increasing in 

forested areas of the western U.S., including southeastern Idaho. The primary reason for this increase 

is the combination of large areas with susceptible 

stand conditions (mature trees in dense stands) and 

 They’re Back!!

tree stress caused by drought. High 

levels of forest insect activity will 

likely continue if current drought 

conditions do not improve. 

The four insects currently at 

epidemic levels in the forested portions of southeastern Idaho are all 

native to the western U.S. These 

four species are: the Douglas-fi r 

beetle, the mountain pine beetle, 

the spruce beetle and the western 

spruce budworm. 

Presently, Douglas-fi r beetle 

is causing the majority of tree 

mortality. Mortality is heaviest in 

the Island Park, Idaho, area (see 

map on page 5). The mountain 

pine beetle is generally confi ned 

to high elevation whitebark pine sites; but areas of 

heavy lodgepole pine mortality have been identifi ed in the Driggs and Swan Valley, Idaho, areas. 

Low populations in other areas may be due to the 

fact that many susceptible lodgepole pine stands 

were harvested and regenerated after the mountain 

pine beetle epidemic in the 1960’s and 70’s. Young 

trees are not susceptible to bark beetles. 

Spruce beetle populations are generally low, 

but foresters in the Driggs and Victor, Idaho, areas 

have observed some mortality. Western spruce 

budworm is a defoliator that normally only kills 

smaller trees, but under severe conditions can kill 

mature trees also. The heaviest defoliation is currently in the Centennial Mountains in Island Park, 

Idaho (see map on page 5 for location of budworm 

defoliation).

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest, the 

Idaho Department of Lands, and the USDA Forest 

Health Protection in Boise, Idaho, cooperated 

in preparing this publication. Our objective is to 

educate the public regarding insect epidemics in 

southeastern Idaho. With this knowledge, you can 

make informed decisions concerning protection of 

your private property and provide meaningful input 

about proposed actions on public lands.

Representatives from the cooperating agencies 

are available to assist you with additional information. Please see page 8 for a list of contacts and 

additional information sources.

The use of trade or fi rm names in this 

publication is for reader information and does 

not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture of any product or service.

Do I have bark beetles? ...............................................................................................................page 3

I have beetles! What should I do? ........................................................................................page 3

I don’t have beetles. Are my trees still at risk? ........................................................page 2

How do I prevent my trees from being attacked? .....................................................page 3

In what general areas are trees being killed? .........................................................page 5

What are Federal and State land managers doing? ...............................................page 7

Are the dead trees a fire hazard? .....................................................................................page 8

Who do I call for help? ................................................................................................................page 8

Does this affect you? Look inside

Bark Beetles They’re Back!!

Are Your Trees at Risk?

➠

DOUGLAS-FIR mortality on

Targhee Pass, Island Park, Idaho

Adult bark

beetle (enlarged)
2 SUMMER 2004

Step 1: Identify Your Trees

The fi rst step to knowing whether or not your tree is susceptible to insect attack is knowing what kind of 

trees you have. Listed below are the major evergreen species native to southeastern Idaho. A catch phrase is 

listed with each one to help you remember their foliage characteristics.

ARE YOUR TREES AT RISK TO BARK BEETLES?

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Urban Trees: Trees in urban settings, far from 

forested areas, are generally not at risk. Small-scale 

mortality in urban areas can occur if fi rewood 

infested with bark beetles is brought into the area 

and trees of a susceptible species are nearby.

Douglas-fi r: Douglas-fi r trees are susceptible 

to the Douglas-fi r bark beetle. The most susceptible 

individuals are greater than 14 inches in diameter; 

more than 120 years old; growing in dense stands 

weakened by drought, root disease or damage (i.e. 

lightening, nearby building construction); or are 

located near existing beetle infected trees.

Lodgepole pine: All pines, native or introduced to the area, are susceptible to the mountain 

pine beetle. The most susceptible pine trees are 

older than 80 years; greater than 8 inches in 

Engelmann Spruce

Needles are 1 inch long, 4-sided, and sharp. 

Cones hang down, are cigar shaped, 1 to 2.5 

inches long (3.5 inches for non-native Colorado 

blue spruce) and light chestnut in color. Catch 

phrase “square, sharp spruce”.

Subalpine fir

Needles are fl at and about 1 to 1.5 inches 

long. Cones are 2 inches long, purplish/brown 

and upright on the stem. Buds are yellow-green 

and rounded. Catch phrase “fl at friendly fi r”.

Lodgepole Pine

Needles are 1 to 3 inches long and come in 

groups of two (all pines have needles in groups 

of 2, 3 or 5). Cones can be open or closed, are 

about 1 inch long, and sit close to the branch. 

Catch phrase “pines come in packets”.

Douglas-fir

Needles are fl at and about 1 to 1.5 inches 

long. Cones hang down and are 3 to 4 inches 

long. The cones have 3-pointed bracts sticking 

out from the scales. Buds are red and pointy. 

Catch phrase “fl at friendly fi r”.

diameter; weakened by drought, disease or damage; 

or located near existing beetle infected trees. 

Subalpine fi r: Subalpine fi r trees are susceptible to the western balsam bark beetle and the fi r 

engraver beetle, which are currently at low levels in 

southeastern Idaho.

Spruce: Engelmann spruce is the only spruce 

native to southeastern Idaho. Many people have 

planted nonnative spruce, such as Colorado blue 

spruce, on their property. Spruce trees are susceptible to the spruce bark beetle, which is currently 

at low levels except in portions of the Driggs and 

Victor, Idaho, areas. Spruce trees over 18 inches diameter are attacked fi rst. Trees less than 12 inches 

in diameter are seldom attacked.

Step 2: Determine Your Trees 

Susceptibility

phrase “square, sharp spruce”.

Cones

Foliage

Foliage with cones

Young cone

Cones

Foliage and buds

Closed and open cones

Foliage with MALE CONES
SUMMER 2004 3

Step 3:

Determine if Your 

Trees Have Been 

Attacked

Douglas-fir Beetle

Trees that have been infested will generally remain green until the following spring, so you must 

look for “clues” other than dead foliage. These 

trees become next spring’s infection source, so it 

is important to identify them. Fresh-down trees are 

highly susceptible and should also be examined. 

 The most reliable external sign that your 

tree has been 

attacked is the 

presence of 

boring dust 

(reddish-brown 

sawdust) in 

bark crevices 

or around the 

base of the tree 

from April to 

August. Boring 

dust is created 

when the insects 

bore through the 

bark of the tree. 

Multiple pitch 

streams about 20 feet up on the tree bole may also 

be an indicator. However, not all pitching means 

bark beetles are present. Removing a section of the 

bark may show tunnels creating by beetles in their 

reproduction process (see “bark beetle” on page 6). 

Unfortunately, sometimes the tunnels are made at 

heights on the tree that are beyond your reach. 

Mountain Pine Beetle

Pine trees infested with mountain pine beetle 

become next year’s infection source, so it is 

important to identify newly hit trees. Signs of 

beetle infestation are pitch tubes or small holes and 

boring dust. Most beetle-attacked trees will have 

pitch tubes scattered all over the bole of the tree. 

These popcorn-shaped masses of pitch and boring 

dust may be brown, pink, yellow or white. If the 

tree is extremely water stressed and cannot produce 

pitch, only small holes and boring dust are visible. 

Removing a section of the bark should show tunnels created by beetles in their reproduction process 

(see page 6).

Step 4: How to 

Treat Trees That 

Have Been Attacked

Once bark beetles have attacked a tree, there 

is nothing you can do to save it. There are no 

chemical insecticides registered or recommended 

for killing bark beetles under the bark of infested 

trees. While some trees do survive bark beetle attack, the vast majority are killed once infested.

To kill the beetles, cut down the infested trees 

and debark or burn all material greater than 6 

inches in diameter. Burying trees is another option. 

Bucking and splitting infested trees for fi rewood 

may kill the beetles if done in the summer and if 

the wood is located where it can dry out quickly. 

However, if fi rewood is stacked or placed in the 

shade before it dries, the insects may still survive. 

If infested trees or slash are not treated or 

removed, adult insects will emerge the following 

spring (second spring for spruce beetle) and attack 

standing trees nearby.

By the time trees have red-brown needles, the 

beetles have generally already left the tree. Once 

the needles have fallen off, you can be certain no 

bark beetles remain under the bark. Other beetles 

and larvae may be observed, but they are of little 

concern as they are benefi cial wood decomposers 

– not tree killers. The tree may be cut down for fi reSpruce Beetle

Spruce trees infested with spruce beetles 

become infection sources in two years. The beetle 

larvae are present for two summers, then they overwinter the second year as adults. Most of the adults 

emerge and bore into the bark at the base of the tree 

to over-winter the second year. 

Signs of attack are boring dust (see photo 

under Douglas-fi r beetle) in bark crevices or around 

the base of the tree from mid-May to July. Masses 

of pitch may accumulate around the insect boring 

holes. Also, look for pieces of bark around the base 

of the tree. Woodpeckers will often fl ake off pieces 

of this thin barked tree in order to feed on the 

beetles and their larvae. Removing a section of the 

bark should show tunnels created by beetles in their 

reproduction process (see page 6).

wood or left standing for wildlife habitat (see page 

8). The tree should be removed however, if it has 

the potential to endanger persons or property. 

See Step 5 for how to prevent infestation of 

trees that have not yet been attacked.

Step 5: Bark 

Beetle Prevention

There are several things you can do to protect 

your trees from bark beetles. Preventing attack is 

key because you cannot do anything to save a tree 

once it has been attacked.

1. Remove all trees that currently contain beetles 

as described in Step 4.

2. Always clean up any recently blown down 

trees or fresh slash over 6 inches in diameter. 

Beetles are attracted to and reproduce in large 

diameter slash material. 

3. Thin out dense stands of trees, leaving the 

healthiest most vigorous ones (contact the State 

Forester, page 8, for details on proper thinning 

methods). Trees that have less competition for 

water, light and nutrients will be better able to 

fi ght off beetle attack.

4. Avoid tree damage such as knocking off bark, 

or compacting or excavating soil near the tree. 

Injured trees attract bark beetles.

5. Use insect chemical communicators (pheromones) to tell the beetles to go elsewhere. 

 MCH is the pheromone used for Douglas-fi r 

bark beetles. This easily applied chemical 

gives off a “No Vacancy” signal to the beetles, 

telling them trees in the treated area are already 

full (see more details on MCH- page 4). The 

pheromone would need to be applied annually 

until the epidemic subsides in your area. 

 There are currently no pheromones registered 

for use in repelling mountain pine beetle or 

spruce beetle in southeastern Idaho.

6. Use chemical insecticides. 

 Carbaryl can be sprayed on the bole of pine 

trees to prevent mountain pine beetle attack or 

on spruce trees to prevent spruce beetle attack. 

The spray must reach up to where the diameter of the bole is 5 inches or less. While only 

labeled for one year of protection, research 

has shown that it generally provides effective 

protection for two years (see more details on 

Carbaryl - page 4). Carbaryl would need to 

be applied every two years until the epidemic 

subsides in your area. 

 There are currently no insecticides labeled for 

use with Douglas-fi r beetle in southeastern 

Idaho. Registration of Carbaryl for use on 

Douglas-fi r beetle is currently being pursued.

Pitch tubes

Boring dust

Woodpecker activity 

on spruCe infested 

with spruce beetle
4 SUMMER 2004

Chemical Treatments

MCH for Douglas-fi r beetle: This insect chemical communicator (pheromone) comes in small bubble caps that are easily tacked up 

on trees. It is most effective when applied before the beetles begin to fl y: April through June, depending on weather and site conditions. The MCH pheromone tells the bark beetles that that tree is already full and they need to look elsewhere for a tree to lay their 

eggs in. The cap slowly releases the pheromone and is generally good for one season. Application rates should be 30 to 40 caps per 

acre; a minimum of 16 caps on areas less than 1⁄2 acre. Highly valued individual trees can be treated with 2 to 4 bubble caps, depending on their size. The bubble caps are currently only available from PheroTech in British Columbia (phone: (800) 665-0076, e-mail: 

sales@pherotech.com). Cost is currently $1.87 per cap for orders of 100 or less, decreasing in price with higher volume orders. The 

company requires the landowner to consult with a forest health management specialist (in southeastern Idaho contact: Rich O’Quinn, 

Idaho Department of Lands (208) 525-7167).

Carbaryl for mountain pine beetle and spruce beetle: Because of the cost and diffi culty of application, this insecticide is generally 

used only for trees with high landscape value. The tree trunk must be treated up to the height where it is 5 inches in diameter. Treating 

the foliage does not prevent bark beetle attack. Treatments should occur prior to beetle fl ight in July. Homeowners may fi nd it diffi cult to 

acquire spray equipment capable of reaching high enough in the tree. In these cases, a professional applicator should be hired. Professional applicators must have a professional license from the State of Idaho (see page 8 for information on how to fi nd a licensed professional applicator). If applied correctly, Carbaryl is very effective in protecting trees that have not yet been attacked. While labeled as 

being effective for one year, research has shown that the effectiveness generally lasts for two years.

Other insecticides used for bark beetles: There are other insecticides, such as pyrethroids, that are registered for use against mountain pine beetle. However, the experts we consulted all recommended using Carbaryl.

Systemic treatments applied to the soil around the tree or inserted into holes drilled in the tree have been shown not to be effective in 

controlling bark beetles.

Pesticide Precautions

● Pesticides used improperly can be injurious to humans, animals, and plants. Follow the directions and heed all precautions on the 

labels.

● Store pesticides in original containers under lock and key – out of the reach of children and animals – and away from food and feed.

● Apply pesticides so that they do not endanger humans, livestock, crops, benefi cial insects, fi sh, and wildlife. Do not apply pesticides 

when there is danger of drift, when honey bees or other pollinating insects are visiting plants, or in ways that may contaminate water 

or leave illegal residues.

● Avoid prolonged inhalation of pesticide sprays or dusts; wear protective clothing and equipment if specifi cd on the container.

● If your hands become contaminated with a pesticide, do not eat or drink until you have washed. In case a pesticide is swallowed or 

gets in the eyes, follow the fi rst-aid treatment given on the label, and get prompt medical attention. If a pesticide is spilled on your 

skin or clothing, remove clothing immediately and wash skin thoroughly.

● Do not clean spray equipment or dump excess spray material near ponds, streams, or wells. Because it is diffi cult to remove all 

traces of herbicides from equipment, do not use the same equipment for insecticides or fungicides that you use for herbicides.

● Dispose of empty pesticide containers promptly. Have them buried at a sanitary land-fi ll dump, or crush and bury them in a level, 

isolated place.

● NOTE: Some States have restrictions on the use of certain pesticides. Check your State and local regulations. Also, because registrations of pesticides are under constant review by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, consult your county agricultural 

agent or State extension specialist to be sure the intended use is still registered.
SUMMER 2004 5
6 SUMMER 2004

Bark beetles are small beetles that bore into trees and lay their eggs under the bark. The eggs 

hatch and the larvae feed on the inner bark girdling the tree. The shape of the tunnels created by 

the adult and its larvae as they feed are unique for each species of beetle. 

Most bark beetles successfully breed in newly wind-thrown trees, or trees that are severely 

stressed or dying. These trees have little or no defense capabilities. In epidemic situations, even 

healthy trees can be killed by mass attacks.

WHAT IS A BARK BEETLE?

Spruce Beetle

This beetle is a native to forests of western 

North America and attacks all species of spruce. 

Outbreaks typically begin in areas of wind-thrown 

trees, then move into standing trees. Where spruce 

is dominant over a large area, extensive mortality can occur. 

Native spruce 

(Engelmann) 

in southeastern 

Idaho is generally not dominant over large 

areas; it is most 

often located in 

smaller pockets 

near wet areas 

or mixed with 

other species on shaded slopes.

Adults are 1⁄4 inch long, brown to black in 

color with reddish-brown or black wing covers. 

The larvae are yellowish white, legless grubs found 

within tunnels under the bark.

Unlike the other two bark beetles, the spruce 

beetle has a two-year life cycle. Infested trees usually do not “fade” (turn yellow-green or reddish) 

until one or sometimes two years after attack. 

Mountain pine beetle

This beetle is a native to forests of western 

North America and attacks all species of pine. 

Periodic outbreaks can result in the loss of millions 

of trees. 

During low population levels, attacks are 

primarily on trees under stress from injury, poor 

site conditions, overcrowding, root disease, or old 

age. As the beetle populations increase, attacks may 

involve most trees 8 inches or more in diameter 

in the outbreak area, irrespective of their apparent 

health. 

Adults are brown to black in color and about 

3/16 inch long. The larvae are yellowish white, 

legless grubs with dark heads found within tunnels 

under the bark.

As with Douglas-fi r beetle, successfully mountain pine beetle-attacked trees normally do not 

show red, faded foliage until 8 to10 months after 

being attacked. Drought stress is causing some 

trees to start “fading” as early as 4 to 5 months 

after attack.

Mountain pine beetle adults leave the dead, 

yellow- to red-needled trees and attack green trees 

from July through September with the majority 

leaving in late July (later than Douglas-fi r beetle). 

Douglas-fir beetle

This beetle is a native to forests of western 

North America and only attacks Douglas-fi r trees. 

Outbreaks typically occur in areas of wind-thrown 

trees or at sites damaged by fi re or spruce budworm 

defoliation. The Douglas-fi r beetle generally does 

not cause widespread mortality like the mountain 

pine beetle. Groups of trees ranging from a few to 

several hundred trees may be killed. 

The current epidemic in southeastern Idaho is 

related to drought stress and dense stand conditions 

and, unfortunately, is much more widespread than 

typical epidemics.

The Douglas-fi r beetle generally attacks the 

largest trees, but they can attack trees with boles 

as small as six inches in diameter. Depending on 

weather and elevation, attacks in southeastern 

Idaho occur from late April through August, with 

peak fl ights usually from mid-June to early July.

While physiologically dead within a few 

weeks, trees typically do not show yellow-green 

(“fading”) or red foliage until 10 months or more 

after being attacked. Because the trees in southeastern Idaho are so drought stressed, some trees are 

“fading” in color by the fall following the attack (4 

to 5 months).

Adult beetles are brown to black in color and 

about 3/16-inch 

long. The larvae 

are whitish, legless grubs with 

brown heads 

found within 

tunnels under 

the bark.

Feeding larvae 

girdling tree

Adult spruce beetle

Spruce beetle gallery

Adult DOuglas-fir 

beetle

Adult

mountain

pine

beetle

Mountain pine beetle 

Douglas-fir beetle galleries

galleries
SUMMER 2004 7

Federal and State 

Land Managers

Effective management of the bark beetles is a 

diffi cult challenge. Federal and State land managers 

know a great deal about what stand characteristics 

constitute high risk and susceptibility to beetles and 

where beetle populations are increasing. Unfortunately, having this knowledge does not mean that 

they can prevent insect epidemics. 

The most effective way of dealing with bark 

beetle epidemics on large, forested areas is prevention through vegetation management. Treating vast 

areas such as National Forests with chemicals to 

reduce bark beetle populations is not practical. 

Land management planning is a required 

process done for all Federal and State administered 

lands. Public involvement is a required – and 

encouraged – part of these planning efforts. During 

the planning process, some areas are excluded from 

vegetation management or are not assigned the objective of producing wood products (i.e. wilderness 

areas, roadless areas). Within these areas, managing 

the epidemic would not meet the land management 

planning direction developed through this public 

involvement process.

Where vegetation management activities are 

permitted, Federal and State land managers can 

Western Spruce 

Budworm

Western spruce budworm is a small moth. In 

the caterpillar stage, it feeds on the needles of trees. 

Populations of this defoliating insect have risen to 

epidemic levels in portions of southeastern Idaho. 

Host trees for western spruce budworm are primarily Douglas-fi r and true fi rs (subalpine fi r is our 

only native true fi r in this area). Although the insect 

name implies otherwise, spruce trees are generally 

not defoliated.

The weather naturally regulates this insect’s 

population. During recent years, drought conditions have left trees severely water stressed and 

susceptible to insect infestations. Budworms 

grow more vigorously in stressed trees. If drought 

conditions continue, budworm populations can 

increase dramatically where there is an abundance 

of susceptible tree species. Forested stands, which 

are densely stocked with predominantly Douglas-fi r 

or subalpine fi r and are multi-storied, are at highest 

risk to infestation. 

Tree damage is caused by the budworm 

caterpillars (larvae) feeding on needles in the early 

spring through summer. Larvae primarily consume 

current-year foliage, but can move to older needles 

have success in reducing insect-related tree mortality. Examples of management activities that can 

reduce susceptibility to insects include: 

➤ Remove some of the trees in dense stands 

through thinning to improve tree vigor to make 

them less susceptible to bark beetles. 

➤ Promote a diversity of tree species, which is 

good for overall ecosystem health and also 

reduces stand susceptibility to bark beetles.

➤ Promote a diversity of age classes by establishing stands of young trees. 

➤ Remove small pockets of bark beetles when 

they fi rst appear in an area. This can be an effective way of “slowing” their affect. However, 

this method is often not effective in eliminating 

all beetles in an area, because not all of the 

pockets can be located and removed. 

Recent changes through the Healthy Forests 

Restoration Act of 2003 and the President’s Healthy 

Forests Initiative, have given Federal land managers tools that will reduce delays and statutory barriers for projects which target reducing hazardous 

fuels and improving forest health. The Federal land 

managers in southeastern Idaho have already begun 

using these tools to expedite projects aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and insect related mortality.

CHALLENGES OF A BARK BEETLE EPIDEMIC – 

WHAT ARE LAND MANAGERS DOING?

Private Landowners

Each private landowner has different ideas 

and objectives for their property and trees. Each 

will have their own comfort level for when it is 

time to consider treatment. Some will choose to do 

nothing; others will adopt aggressive bark beetle 

suppression strategies. 

A neighbor who chooses not to remove 

beetle-infested trees will increase the likelihood 

that susceptible trees on adjacent property will be 

attacked. Obviously, these situations can become 

complicated. Tree removal options are not equally 

available to all landowners. Economics of the treatment may be a factor, especially for large properties. Site conditions, such as steep slopes, may 

make tree removal diffi cult. 

Fortunately, using MCH caps for Douglas-fi r 

beetle or Carbaryl insecticide for mountain pine 

beetle and spruce beetle can be effective, preventative treatments for your property; irregardless of 

what your neighbor chooses to do. These treatments should not increase the likelihood that your 

neighbor’s trees will be attacked. There is generally 

no “halo” effect where infestation levels are greater 

just outside a treated area.

Treatments will need to continue until the 

epidemic in your area subsides.

in extreme cases. Infested trees will appear to 

have a red luster when observed from a distance. 

Upon closer inspection, branch tips will be bare 

or covered with nests of silk webbing and dead 

needles. Several years of continued defoliation will 

reduce tree growth and development, 

and sometimes 

cause death. In 

addition, budworm defoliation 

stresses the trees 

and makes them 

more susceptible to 

bark beetle attack. 

Western spruce 

budworm populations can be substantially reduced with 

insecticides. If you 

feel spraying is needed, contact your local State 

Forester (see page 8) for treatment timing, formulations, dosages, and the most current information 

on registered insecticides. You may also contact a 

licensed, professional pesticide applicator. Promoting non-host species such as aspen or lodgepole 

pine will reduce overall stand susceptibility.

Tree crown damage 

from feeding larvae

Feeding larvae

Western spruce budworm 

adult and pupal case
24.09.415.08/04

8 SUMMER 2004

Where to go for help or 

additional information

ORGANIZATIONS

• For on the ground technical assistance with insects and forest management on private lands, contact 

Rich O’Quinn, Idaho Department of Lands (208) 525-7167, roquinn@idl.state.is.us

• For information on professional pesticide applicators, contact State of Idaho Pesticide Applicator 

Licensing (208) 332-8600, www.agri.idaho.gov

• For general insect information, contact, United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health 

Protection, (208) 373-4227

• For general National Forest information, contact Caribou-Targhee National Forest, (208) 524-7500

• For consultation on conservation issues, contact Resource Conservation and Development: High 

Country RC&D (Idaho Falls-Island Park-Salmon Challis), Steve Smart (208) 356-5213, ext 117; 

Three Rivers RC&D (Pocatello-Blackfoot), Paula Jones (208) 237-4628 ext 104.

PUBLICATIONS

The following publications can be obtained from USDA Forest Health Protection (208) 373-4227, 

www.fs.fed.us/r1-r4/spf or Idaho Dept. of Lands (208) 525-7167, roquinn@idl.state.is.us

1. Forest Insect & Disease Leafl ets; available for a variety of forest pests. These leafl ets are also available on the internet (see below).

2. Using MCH to Protect Trees and Stands from Douglas-fi r Beetle Infestation, FHTET-2001-09, 

USDA Forest Service, Forest Technology Enterprise Team.

3. A Field Guide to Disease and Insect Pests of Northern and Central Rocky Mountain Conifers, 

Publication # R1-03-08. 

WEBSITES

• Forest and Tree Health Publications and Fact Sheets, including Forest Insect and Disease Leafl ets 

for a variety of forest pests: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fth_pub_pages/fi dlpage.htm or

www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/fth_pub.htm

• General Insect Information: www.bugwood.com

• Idaho Dept of Lands: www2.state.id.us/lands/

• Forest Health Protection: www.fs.fed.us/r1-r4/spf

• Phero Tech Inc. (producers of MCH): www.pherotech.com

• Photographs of insects and trees: www.forestryimages.com

• Carbaryl Insecticide: www.infoventures.com/e-hlth/pestcide/carbary.html

• FirewiseTM: www.fi rewise.org

• Fire Safe Council: www.fi resafecouncil.org

• National Interagency Fire Center: www.nifc.gov

I

f enhancing wildlife habitat interests you, consider keeping dead trees on your forested lands. 

Standing dead trees in a forest are called “snags” 

and many species of wildlife depend on snags for 

their survival. 

Owls, hawks, and eagles use snags to perch 

and to support their nests. Cavity nesters such as 

woodpeckers, mountain bluebirds, and chickadees 

nest in the snag cavities.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and other mammals use 

snags as homes. Bats use areas under loose bark 

for roosting. Fungi, mosses, and lichens commonly 

grow in the decaying wood of a snag.

Insects chew through the decaying wood, 

creating tunnels and chambers. Moths and ladybird 

beetles, and many species of reptiles and amphibians, hide under the bark of snags. 

With so many animals and plants living on and 

in a dead tree, other animals frequently come there 

to feed. For example, many species of woodpeckers 

depend on snags to provide insect larvae for food.

If a tree on your private land does not have the 

potential to endanger persons or property, please 

consider leaving it standing for our animal friends! 

Dead 

Trees

are

“Home”

to Many

Forest 

Creatures

The Role

of Fire

Fire is a fundamental part of the natural ecosystem. The vegetation in southeastern 

Idaho has evolved with fi re and, in many 

cases, relies on fi re to sustain its health and its 

presence on the landscape.

Dead trees with red needles are more 

fl ammable than live trees. However, once 

the needles are gone, the standing dead trees 

generally do not pose an increased risk of 

wildfi re. As the trees eventually fall to the 

ground, increasing downed fuel loads have 

the potential to increase fi re severity.

Research has shown that the most critical 

factors for a home surviving a wildfi re are the 

construction of the home and the vegetation 

near the home.

FIREWISETM is a multi-agency, nonprofi t program devoted to helping people and 

their property survive a wildfi re. The program 

encourages developing a “defensible space” 

around your home. Information on how to 

improve the survivability of your home from 

wildfi re can be found on a variety of FIREWISETM websites. 

Some general recommendations are:

1. Roofs should be made of non-fl ammable 

material.

2. Enclose places where fi re embers could 

accumulate such as soffets and underneath porches. 

3. Thin out dense trees or shrubs.

4. Remove brush or dried grasses close to 

your home.

5. Landscape with fi re resistant plants.

6. Do not place fl ammable material such as 

fi rewood or above ground propane tanks 

near your home.

Firefi ghter safety is a primary consideration in any fi re incident. Creating a “defensible space” will increase the chance that 

fi refi ghters can safely protect your home.

For more information 

regarding protecting your 

home from wildfi re, visit 

the FIREWISETM website 

(see box at left) or contact 

your local fi re department.