Treetops and sometimes whole trees die. The beetles overwinter in duff and litter, occasionally under bark. They breed in freshly cut pine wood or trimmed branches. Males attack trees first and produce an attractant which draws other beetles. Eggs are laid in galleries excavated by adults under tree bark.
Adult galleries are usually free of frass.
Larval galleries radiating from the central tunnel are packed with frass. Ips have two to four generations per year depending on location and temperature. Keep trees vigorous to reduce infestation. Remove and utilize or destroy dead and dying trees immediately. Spray trees adjacent to infested trees with residual insecticide to prevent attack.