Pine beetles are now showing up in nearly every part of the county west of Interstate 75. The three beetle traps that have been set around the county to show the insect's spread have all been catching large numbers of beetles. Probably because trees' resistance has been undermined by the dry conditions, the beetles have been attacking all species of pines. Normally, only loblolly pine trees are vulnerable. This is alarming because longleaf pines, which historically covered most of the county, are considered the most environmentally valuable species.
Trees infected by the beetles develop a popcorn-shaped pox on their trunks.
Their needles turn a telltale shade of reddish brown, then fall off. St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.