The first sign of a beetle problem is when a cluster of trees have fading tops, which is when the foliage begins to turn yellow to a reddish brown. This is where the beetles have bored in the tree and pockets of sap, called pitch tubes, have formed on the outside of the tree. Even though a tree infested by beetles cannot be saved, salvage operations can prevent the beetles from spreading to the remainder of the stand. To prevent a beetle problem, Ezell recommended implementing good forest management techniques that will grow the most healthy and vigorous trees while avoiding problems. Two good ways to reduce competition are thinning the stand and prescribed burning.
Healthy trees are the best defense against beetle problems.