Attacking beetles die as they attempt to chew through the bark. This treatment can be effective when trees are weakened or threatened by a localized beetle outbreak and should not be used indiscriminately. Preventive bark sprays are not recommended for trees already attacked or affected by serious problems or severe injuries. Pesticides used improperly can kill beneficial insects and can be injurious to people, animals and plants. Follow all directions and heed all precautions on the label.
Prevention is the best way to reduce losses due to bark beetles.
Healthy trees are usually not infested. Properly thinning trees to relieve overcrowding in late fall or early winter can reduce future losses. It is also useful for reducing and suppressing forest fires. Consider slow, deep and infrequent watering of stressed or damaged trees nearest the house, with a properly installed and maintained drip system or a soaker hose located around the dripline of the tree. Copyright 1999 by Forest Lakes Owners Association.