Pine Bark Beetles Terry Price , Forest Health Specialist, Georgia Forestry Commission Pine Bark Beetles Pine bark beetles are the most destructive insects of pines in Georgia. They occur across all land ownership patterns and geographic regions of the State. Since 1962 annual losses from outbreaks have exceeded five million dollars in the State. Statewide outbreaks occur every 5-10 years with local, less intense infestations occuring annually. It is not uncommon for these insects to increase as SPB outbreaks decline.
Aerial detection is the most efficient method of locating hark beetle spots.
Large forested areas can be surveyed in a relatively short period of time. From the airspots can be classified by size and type, which will aid entomologists in predicting future trends. Aerial detection and suppression surveys are an important aspect of a bark beetle prevention and control program. Southern Pine Beetle - This beetle attacks all species of southern yellow pines of sapling, pulpwood and sawtimber size. It is particularly destructive in overmature and overcrowded stands.