Serious question, has anyone else seen this new bark beetle around the Twin Cities?

I was doing a removal on a client's ash in Minneapolis last week and found a bunch of tiny holes I didn't recognize. Called a buddy at the extension office, and he confirmed it's a new invasive species that hitched a ride on some imported lumber about three years ago. He said they're moving fast and can kill a mature pine in under a month. I've already spotted signs in three different yards this spring. What are you guys using for treatment, or is removal the only safe bet right now?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora862mo ago

Well, my strategy of ignoring problems until they go away isn't working so hot here. Tried that with a squeaky truck door for two years, and now the whole thing sounds like a haunted house on wheels. Probably shouldn't apply the same logic to beetles eating all the trees.

lily_gonzalez682mo ago

Oh man, that's not good to hear. I mean, if they're moving that fast, it sounds like removal is the only sure thing to stop it from spreading to other trees nearby. Maybe a systemic insecticide could work as a last ditch effort on a really valuable tree, but idk if it's worth the risk.