A Tiny Menace
Did you know that the drought is contributing to the loss of pine trees. Pine trees are being attacked by tiny beetles that bore under the bark to lay their eggs and introduce a blue stain fungus that blocks water flow and kills trees. Of the three pine bark beetles found in Georgia, the Southern Pine Beetle is the most destructive because it will attack both healthy and weakened or damaged trees. Drought conditions weaken trees and fuel the beetles’ onslaught, resulting in the loss of thousands of acres of pines in Georgia and the southeast. Since 1972, this destructive beetle has inflicted 240.2 million dollars in damage on Georgia’s trees, with the Oconee National Forest and the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge being especially hard hit. These two areas also provide habitat for the red-cockaded woodpecker, one of Georgia’s most endangered birds, which nests in the soft wood of older pines.
Viewer Tip: Loblolly, Virginia, and shortleaf pines are the most susceptible species. Discoloration of foliage is often the first indication of attack — needles become a yellowish-red, then brown. At the point of attack, the tree exudes a resin pitch tube about the size of a small piece of popcorn, and pine dust is often found around the hole or on the base of the tree. If you suspect that you have infected pine trees, the best action is to clean up and remove any downed branches. Remove broken and damaged branches from trees to reduce open surface that is oozing sap, and cut down and remove dead or badly damaged trees. Have infected trees or branches hauled away, as they will only attract more beetles.
Private, non-industrial forest landowners of ten acres or more may be eligible for assistance from the Georgia Forestry Commission through their prevention and restoration program. For more information visit Georgia Wildlife Federation at www.gwf.org.
(Sources: Cobb County Extension Service “Fact Sheet on Pine Beetles” www.forestpests.org/gfcfacts/southernpine.html; Atlanta Journal Constitution, “Dry Trees Draw Beetles”July 8, 2007, page C1)
