Beetle Kill in Colorado: Causes, Prevention, and Management

Beetle kill in Colorado is a serious issue that affects the state's forests and economy. The Mountain Pine Beetle is the primary culprit, responsible for killing millions of trees since the 1990s.

This beetle infestation is fueled by warmer temperatures and drought, which have created ideal conditions for the beetles to thrive. In some areas, the beetle kill has reached epidemic levels.

The consequences of beetle kill are far-reaching, impacting not only the environment but also local communities and the timber industry. The economic impact is significant, with some estimates suggesting that the beetle kill has cost the state millions of dollars in lost revenue.

The good news is that there are steps being taken to manage and prevent further beetle kill in Colorado. By understanding the causes and taking proactive measures, we can work towards mitigating the effects of this devastating issue.

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The Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) is a major culprit behind the widespread beetle kill in Colorado.

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This beetle has been native to the state for centuries but has been exacerbated by warmer temperatures and drought conditions.

The beetles have killed millions of acres of trees in Colorado, with some estimates suggesting that up to 70% of the state's lodgepole pine trees have been affected.

The beetle's favorite food is the lodgepole pine, a species that is highly susceptible to the beetle's attacks.

The beetles can kill a tree in just a few weeks, and once a tree is dead, it becomes a food source for other insects and fungi.

In some areas, the beetle kill has led to an increase in wildfires, as dead trees provide fuel for fires.

The Colorado State Forest Service estimates that the beetle kill has already led to a 20% increase in wildfires in the state.

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Beetle kill in Colorado is a complex issue, and understanding its causes is key to prevention. The lack of moisture in trees is a major factor, as pine trees need water to produce resin that protects them from beetle attacks.

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Drought-stressed trees are more susceptible to beetle infestations, and prolonged drought can lead to the growth of beetle populations. This makes it easier for beetles to burrow in, lay eggs, and multiply.

Prevention measures can be effective, but they come with a cost. Chemical treatments applied to lodgepole pines in the spring can be effective, but they cost $50 per tree, plus annual treatments as needed.

Preventive insecticide sprays can protect uninfested trees if applied before beetle flight, which typically occurs from mid-May to July. These sprays contain pyrethroids that are registered and have been tested for effectiveness.

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In Colorado, the mountain pine beetle infestation has had a significant impact on the state's forests. About 70% of the 1,760,000 acres of lodgepole pine have been damaged.

The infestation is primarily concentrated in the state's northern mountains, and it's estimated that beetle kill will leave behind a deforested area the size of Rhode Island. This is a stark reminder of the severity of the issue.

According to the Colorado State Forest Service, one in 14 trees are dead in Colorado forests. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the need for action.

The number of gray-brown standing-dead trees has increased 30 percent since 2010 to 834 million. This is a clear indication of the scale of the problem.

Here are some key statistics on the mountain pine beetle infestation in Colorado:

Mountain pine beetles are the most destructive insect pest of Colorado's pine forests, responsible for killing millions of trees, especially during prolonged drought and warm winters.

These beetles are opportunistic and will attack any pine tree if the conditions are right, especially when the tree is already stressed.

Lodgepole pine, which makes up 8% of Colorado's forests, is particularly vulnerable to infestation, with about 70% of the 1,760,000 acres of lodgepole pine having been damaged.

Pine trees need moisture to produce enough resin to protect themselves from beetle attacks, but with less snow and rain, trees can't build up their natural defenses, making it easier for beetles to infest them.

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Drought-stressed trees can't fight back, allowing beetles to burrow in, lay eggs, and multiply.

The western spruce budworm is another contributor to tree stress, with its impact growing from 202,000 acres in 2023 to 217,000 acres in 2024.

Some species of pine are hit harder than others, including Ponderosa Pine, Lodgepole Pine, and Limber Pine.

Here are the top pine species most susceptible to mountain pine beetle attacks in Colorado:

Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with mountain pine beetle infestations. Chemical treatments applied to lodgepole pines in the spring can be effective, but they're expensive, costing $50 per tree, plus annual treatments as needed.

Some people choose to spray high-value trees, such as those near homes or businesses, with a preventive insecticide before beetle flight occurs. This stops beetles from feeding and laying eggs, effectively stopping infestation in treated trees.

Mountain pine beetle preventive treatments contain pyrethroids, which are registered and have been tested for effectiveness. However, they can't save an infested tree, only reduce the likelihood of attacks on individual trees.

To ensure proper application, it's best to use a commercial pesticide applicator. They know how to get the job done right, and it's worth the investment to protect your trees.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Pine needles turning yellowish-red and then becoming a rusty brown color are one of the first signs of a mountain pine beetle infestation.

To confirm, look for needles dropping, which usually happens in the second summer after a tree has been infested. This is a clear indication that the tree is struggling.

Boring dust, which looks like fine sawdust, can be found in bark crevices and on the ground near the tree. This is a result of the beetles' activity.

Keep an eye out for popcorn-shaped masses of brown, pink, or white resin, called "pitch tubes", on the tree trunk. These are a sign of the beetles' presence.

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Woodpecker damage is another indication of an infestation. As they search for pine beetle larvae, woodpeckers will strip pieces of bark from infested trees, leaving piles of bark at the base of trees.

Exit holes on the bark surface where the adult beetles emerged are also a clear sign of damage.

If you're not comfortable inspecting the tree yourself, consider hiring a certified arborist who can perform a detailed on-site inspection.

If you've got a tree infested by mountain pine beetles, the best course of action is to have it removed before the next generation of beetles emerges.

Removing the tree alone isn't enough, as live beetles and larvae remain under the bark and can still spread to healthy trees.

To prevent further infestation, the wood needs to be treated properly, following recommendations from the Colorado State Forest Service.

Beetle kill wood is a valuable resource that can be repurposed in various ways.

Composting is one option, where wood chips from beetle kill trees are combined with other organic materials to create a product for landscaping and re-vegetation projects. This process has already been implemented in Summit County.

The ancient practice of biochar is also emerging as a viable option, producing a synthetic gas that can be used as fuel to power plants where beetle kill wood is processed.

Beetle kill wood is being used in local projects, such as replacing the siding of houses with blue-stain wood, which is named for the dark color in the wood caused by fungus carried by the pine beetle.

Multiple housing complexes are already utilizing beetle kill wood for this purpose, like a condo complex at Copper Mountain.

Additionally, beetle kill pine is being used to craft products like snowboards, skis, and guitars.

If you've got a tree that's already been infested by mountain pine beetles, it's too late to save the tree.

Once the beetles are inside, the best thing you can do is have it removed before the next generation of beetles emerges and spreads to nearby pines.

Removal alone isn't enough, though - the wood needs to be treated properly to prevent the beetles from finishing their life cycle and spreading.

At LAM Tree, we follow treatment recommendations outlined by the Colorado State Forest Service to make sure the beetles don't spread after removal.

There are several ways to treat MPB-infested logs, but one efficient and effective method is chipping.

Chipping breaks apart the bark and inner wood where beetles develop, killing larvae quickly and eliminating the need for storage or additional treatment.

It's a great option because it can be done on-site right after removal, making it a convenient and time-saving solution.

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Wildfires can actually play a role in forest regeneration. This might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. In Colorado, wildfires have created openings in the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor, which can stimulate the growth of new trees.

Many of the trees killed by the beetle infestation are now being consumed by wildfires, which can help to reduce the risk of future wildfires by removing the dead and dying trees. This process is called "disturbance-driven regeneration."

The Aspen bark beetles have killed an estimated 3.2 million acres of trees in Colorado, but some areas are already showing signs of new growth. In fact, a 2019 study found that in areas where the beetles had killed off the mature trees, new aspen shoots had begun to grow.

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