The mountain pine beetle is a small, black beetle about the size of a grain of rice.  Over the past few years, mountain pine beetles have been expanding east into Alberta from British Columbia.

What type of trees may be attacked?

Mountain pine beetles attack and kill pine trees, usually mature ones aged 80 to 120
years old.  All species of pine including lodgepole, jack pine, Scots pine and ponderosa pine are vulnerable.  They do not attack aspen, spruce or fir trees.  Pine can be distinguished from other trees by their long needles attached to branches in groups of 
2-5 .

When do beetles attack trees and how long do they stay in trees?

Beetles fly in search of new trees in July and August.  Once a beetle has found a suitable tree, it will live in that tree for the remainder of its life and lay eggs.  The new generation of beetles will not emerge from the tree for at least one year.

If my tree is attacked, will it die?

Unfortunately, yes.  Trees successfully attacked by mountain pine beetles usually die within one year.

How can I tell if my trees have been attacked?

Look for creamy globs that look like crystallized honey, called pitch tubes, and sawdust at the base of the tree and in teh barks crevices.

What do I do if my tree is infested?

If you suspect a tree has been attacked by mountain pine beetle, call the
Parks Department - Jim Donnelly at 513-5226

How are beetle infested trees controlled ?

Control of mountain pine beetle is usually done through cutting and burning of the individual infested trees.  The beetles take one year to fully mature, so there is time for the Parks Department to develop and implement a control plan for your area.

Are beetles a threat to people?

No. The mountain pine beetle is harmless t people.

Where can I get more information?

Visit Alberta's Sustainable Resource Development website at
www.srd.gov.ab.ca/forests/health/mpb.html

  Larva of beetle             Mountain pine beetle                           Larva Gallery                                                                                                     

   Damage dying pine tree               Sawdust                      Blue stain carry by beetle         
        outbreak area