Pine Tree Pests
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth
The Douglas-fir tussock moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) is an important defoliator of true firs and Douglas-fir in Western North America. Severe tussock moth outbreaks have occurred in British Columbia, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. For more information see http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/tussock/fidl-tuss.htm
Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth
Bark Beetles
Bark beetles are the most devastating insects to attack pines. They exist throughout North America in both eastern and western forms, are commercially destructive and my pick for the worst insect.
The Dendroctonus/Ips sp. will kill healthy trees and trees already weakened by other factors. The bark beetles girdle trees while building egg-laying galleries. The lack of sap flow immediately kills the tree, the insects move to adjacent live trees and the damage spreads.
Near Peach Springs AZ. Due to a long drought in Arizona, Bark Beetles are killing a lot of Pine Trees. They bore through the bark and then into the wood. If the pine tree doesn't produce enough sap to stop the bark beetles, they can do enough damage to kill the tree. Seen here in high definition [HD] video footage, a Pinion Pine Tree killed by Bark Beetles.
Bark Beetles are killing Pine Trees in Arizona