A careful examination of the base of the lower bole may locate the large pitch masses where they attack the tree. The southern pine beetle , Dendroctonus frontalis , appears similar to but is much smaller than the black turpentine beetle. Signs of infestation are similar to Ips engraver beetles. Because outbreaks are generally associated with large areas of stressed loblolly pine, we expect little activity in the slash and longleaf stands damaged in 1998. They cause problems following fires because the long-lived adults feed on the tender bark of nearby pines.
Seedlings planted too soon following a fire are likely to be debarked and killed.
Insecticides are available to treat and protect seedlings, but most managers prefer to postpone planting until all weevils have developed and dispersed.