Infested pines are worth much less than green pines. The value declines rapidly with time after infestation. The most important consideration for the landowner is to rapidly get infested timber removed or felled. For pricing information, contact a forestry professional. Southern pine beetles kill trees in spots.
Adult females originate attacks on pines.
After boring through the bark they emit a pheromone or sex attractant which lures both males and additional females to the attacked trees. They then mate and construct winding galleries in which they lay eggs. The insects also introduce a fungus called bluestain into attacked trees which plugs the water transport system and hastens tree death. Southern pine beetles can complete their life cycle in 28 days during the summer months after which the next generation emerges to attack additional trees. After flying we deter-mine ownership of spots and contact affected landowners.