Fueling the Fire - The Bark Beetle Dilemma

Bark beetles are a natural pest that are part of a natural ecosystem when populations are maintained. The beetles bore through the bark of trees and deposit their eggs under the tree’s bark. After hatching, the larva feed on the tree bark as they continue to tunnel into the tree.  The beetles continue to grow and reproduce to continue their life cycle. The boring of the beetle eventually cuts off the circulation of the trees killing it where it stands. Trees aren’t helpless in all of this as their sap can act as a barrier to these beetles. Unfortunately, sap levels in trees are not substantial enough to act as a barrier when trees are stressed or living in conditions that aren’t ideal for their growing requirements. Years of drought in California have left our trees vulnerable to infestation by bark beetles. This ideal environment for the beetles has allowed populations to explode and in turn, infestations have grown across California.

Trees that are infested with bark beetles often (not always) show obvious signs of systemic death or dying. The most visible signs are brown needles and sap tunnels on bark areas around the trees. These sap tunnels are not always signs of infestation as the sap can ward off the beetles in some cases. If the sap tunnels are accompanied by brown sawdust type material (also called frass) this is usually indicative of an infestation. If a tree is browning or showing obvious signs of infestation it is often too late to reverse the impact.

Preventing infestation is an important task for homeowners and land managers. Keeping forests healthy is the first defense. Thinning trees in an effort to maintain healthy spacing is important. Another important step is inspecting trees for infestation (see the signs noted above at this webpage) and taking action. If infestations are found the following steps should be taken.

• Cut infested trees down and remove whenever possible.
• Trees can be left as long as 100 feet of defensible space is maintained
• Burning trees is an option if local burning regulations allow
• Tarping/covering the infected trees with plastic for a minimum of 6 months is necessary
• Chipping or using for firewood is possible but the wood should be covered as noted above

Knowing that a bark beetle infestation will increase the fire load it is important that we are all prepared for wildfires. Get prepared for wildfire before it strikes by following Ready, Set, Go steps.

1. Be Ready: Create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers. This space helps protect your home and provide safety for the firefighters. Ensure you employ “home hardening” practices like utilization of fire resistant construction.

2. Get Set: Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Create an action plan that includes what you will take, where you will go and what routes you can use.

3. Be Ready to GO!: Take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire. Stay informed, be prepared to make decisions and listen to the instructions of the police, fire and other emergency personnel.