Black turpentine beetles are highly attracted to the turpentine odor that emanates from tree wounds. Wounded trees are almost certain to be attacked. Insecticides can be used to prevent or control attacks by this beetle. In naval stores operations trees should be sprayed prior to being chipped. Yard trees damaged by bulldozers or other heavy equipment should be sprayed soon after the damage occurs to prevent these beetles from attacking.
Prevention is always a better approach than control.
There are many species of ambrosia beetles that attack hardwood and coniferous trees. Ambrosia beetles are so named because they cultivate a mold type fungus in their galleries, upon which they feed. The species that attack logs and dying trees can cause considerable degradation in lumber. The beetles damage the wood by boring uniform circular pin holes through the wood. Ambrosia beetle tunnels also provide entrances for certain wood rot fungi which can do serious damage in untreated wood.