Beetles disperse in the fall and develop in scattered host trees. From March through May, beetles emerge and colonize new host trees. Injured trees decline rapidly during summer months and infestations may spread from tree to tree as additional beetles are attracted to the site of infestation. All stages can be dissected from underneath bark of dead or dying infested pine trees. Needles on infested pines turn first turn yellow and then red, before dropping.
Infested trees die quickly due to girdling action of galleries and a blue stain fungus.
For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.