There are three types of Pine Bark Beetle found in South Florida the BLACK TURPENTINE BEETLE (BTB), IPS ENGRAVER BEETLES (IEB), and the SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE (SPB). These Beetles bore through the outer bark then tunnel through the soft inner bark and sap wood feeding on the pine tree. The tunneling of the pine beetle destroys the water and nutrient transport systems of the tree. Normally the beetles will attract weakened trees although they will occupy healthy pines as well. In the South pine beetle outbreaks are responsible for approximately 3 billion cubic feet of loss.
Signs and symptoms of a pine beetle infestation:
Pitch Tubes: Popcorn size sap collection on the outer bark where the beetle bore a hole. A red or brown colored sap indicates a successful entry of the pine beetle where as a white sap does not.
Heavy Wood Pecker Damage: Patches of bark will be missing where the wood pecker has fed on the beetles in the trunk of the pine tree.
Change in Foliage: The color of the needles will go from green to a yellow or red. Once the foliage has turned red it is beyond the point where it can be salvaged.
Boring Dust: Fine saw dust like material due to the beetle boring into the pine tree.
Presence of beetles.
Prevention
Keep soil moisture high with irrigation to help maintain sap pressure.
Prune tree during the winter months to reduce possibility of infestation and maintain root balance.
Remove trees at high risk of infestation early.