Pine Beetle? - Ask Extension
Hello, I took a picture of this little beetle on my patio. Google lens says it’s a pine beetle. We have numerous pine trees on our property and cert...
Knowledgebase
Pine Beetle? #850243
Asked September 17, 2023, 2:55 PM EDT
Hello, I took a picture of this little beetle on my patio. Google lens says it’s a pine beetle. We have numerous pine trees on our property and certainly don’t want them destroyed or any other trees in our area. Should we be concerned? Is there any type of preventative spray treatment?
Mesa County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Kelly,
You found a Pine Sawyer! These insects don't harm the tree. They seek out trees that are dying or already dead. They are found in conifer trees.
Treatments are not needed. The best thing you can do is keep your trees as healthy as possible. If possible, consider supplemental water all year around when we have long periods of dry weather.
Pine sawyers are different borers than "pine beetles". Pine beetles or bark beetles are tiny beetles (the size of the grain of rice) that can impact or kill healthy trees. Pine sawyers do NOT impact healthy trees.
More info: https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/wood-borers/pine-sawyers
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist
Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
You found a Pine Sawyer! These insects don't harm the tree. They seek out trees that are dying or already dead. They are found in conifer trees.
Treatments are not needed. The best thing you can do is keep your trees as healthy as possible. If possible, consider supplemental water all year around when we have long periods of dry weather.
Pine sawyers are different borers than "pine beetles". Pine beetles or bark beetles are tiny beetles (the size of the grain of rice) that can impact or kill healthy trees. Pine sawyers do NOT impact healthy trees.
More info: https://extension.usu.edu/pests/ipm/ornamental-pest-guide/arthopods/wood-borers/pine-sawyers
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Lisa
Lisa Mason
Horticulture Specialist and Entomologist
Colorado State University Extension, Arapahoe County
