After pupation, young adult beetles may overwinter at their pupation site or, more commonly, move to the base of the tree. Pupae are creamy white and are shaped like adults. The larvae feed on phloem tissue beneath the bark and eventually girdle the tree, preventing food transportation from the foliage down to the roots. Avoid root compaction and damage to tree trunks. Pruning the lower branches will increase bark temperatures, thereby reducing successful spruce beetle attacks.
Several insecticides are available to protect trees from attack.
Infested trees or firewood should be removed or used before adult beetles emerge in the spring. If wood cannot be used or removed, the logs should be stripped of bark. Yes you should.