Bark beetle experts say a recent cold snap has likely killed some spruce beetle infestations in northern B.C. between Jan 5 and 19. ), and larches (Larix spp.). Please don’t enter any personal information. 's Ministry of Forests. : Woodpecker bark scaling of an attacked tree. But, primarily, bark beetles attack cedar, fir, pine and spruce trees. About a dozen European countries have outbreaks of the spruce bark beetle, including significant infestations in Germany and the Czech Republic, said Russ Taylor, managing director of FEA Canada. Spruce beetles must overwinter once to mature fully. Adult spruce beetles typically emerge from their host trees each spring when temperatures reach 60°F. The spruce beetle has a one- to three-year life cycle — usually two years. Robert said it's easier for mountain pine beetles to hit the 95 per cent death rate for larvae because they remain under the bark over winter. The amount of lumber destroyed in the outbreak could surpass how much the mountain pine beetle killed in B.C. Spruce beetles are nowhere near the threat of the infamous mountain pine beetle that hit peak infestation — the largest seen in the world — about 16 years ago, according to Robert. Between 2005 and 2017, a severe outbreak of spruce bark beetles swept through more than 741,000 acres of high-elevation forest in the southern Rocky Mountains near Wolf Creek Pass—killing more than 90 percent of Engelmann spruce trees in many stands. Its flight and attack period starts in June or soon after mo… Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Bark beetles are very small, 3-4mm long with cylindrical brown bodies. Outbreaks prior to 2000 resulted in losses of three billion board feet from B.C. Mature adults emerge and attack fresh host material from late May to early July. beetle populations. ), pines (Pinus spp. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Extensive injury to forests resulting from wars, fires and storms, has at numerous times made possible the buildup of high populations of the pest which caused excessive secondary damage. Provincial entomologist Jeanne Robert said temperatures must fall below –40 C for more than two days — as it did in parts of the province this January — to kill the hardy bark beetles. Trunk, Stump, Bark, Woody debris Damage, symptoms and biology The spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufipennis, is the most destructive pest of mature spruce trees in British Columbia. Woodpecker bark scaling of an attacked tree. Global markets showing severe impacts from huge European timber salvage program driven by spruce bark beetles and windstorm damage. The word beetle itself is adapted from the old English word bitela, which literally translates to little biter. The spruce beetle has a one- to three-year life cycle — usually two years. Comments are welcome while open. A bark beetle is one of about 6,000 species in 247 genera of beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae. Although the term "bark beetle" refers to the fact that many species feed in the inner bark (phloem) layer of trees, the subfamily also has many species with … Yvette.Brend@cbc.ca or on Twitter or Instagram @ybrend. A spruce bark beetle infestation that began a few years ago in Southcentral Alaska is spreading in Anchorage, taking out hundreds of acres of trees, arborists and forest scientists say. Between 2017 and 2019, over 270 million m3 of drought-weakened standing timber in Central Europe has been killed by windstorms and spruce bark beetles. Keeping trees and forest stands healthy during increased spruce beetle activity is an important first step for management. Untreated wood and wood products are likely pathways for human-assisted spread of this pest. In some spots it was close to –50 C. "It was surprising that it wasn't record breaking," said Environment Canada meteorologist Matt MacDonald. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. Norway spruce (Picea abies), a dominant tree species in European boreal, montane, and subalpine forests, is frequently subject to fatal attacks by the bark beetle Ips typographus (Wermelinger, 2004).During attacks, these scolytine beetles introduce fungal pathogens into their hosts. Outbreaks of this beetle have caused extensive spruce mortality from Alaska to Arizona and have occurred in every forest with substantial spruce stands. The spruce bark beetle prefers to feed on white, Lutz . Under normal forest conditions, spruce bark beetles dine only on wind-felled trees, or trees with lowered defenses such as very old, slow growing or highly stressed trees. Pine beetles killed off more than nine million hectares of forests by the peak of the infestation in 2004. White spruce and Engelmann spruceare the principal hosts (Wygant and Lejeune 1967). It destroys forests of spruce trees by consuming the phloem of Englemann, white, Sitka and Colorado blue spruce. spruce (the hybrid cross - Sitka x white) and Sitka spruce but rarely attacks black spruce. has declared a state of emergency. The European spruce bark beetle has a significant impact on both the ecological and economic environment of Norway spruce forests. Spruce bark beetles are shown by forester Rob Legare near Haines Junction, Yukon Territory. Previously, this was considered a distinct family ( Scolytidae ), but is now understood to be specialized clade of the "true weevil " family ( Curculionidae ). Colour: dark brown to black with reddish wing covers, Size: tiny – four to seven millimetres (about half a centimetre), Destroys: Large-diameter mature spruces, e.g., Sitka; usually downed trees or debris. Bark beetle experts say a recent cold snap has likely killed some spruce beetle infestations in northern B.C. By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. "Good to see a potential benefit from that cold snap," said MacDonald. Spruce beetles ( Dendroctonus rufipennis) are native bark beetles that infest Engelmann spruce ( Picea engelmannii) and occasionally Colorado blue spruce ( P. pungens) in high elevation forests in Colorado. Frass is usually present in the galleries. Adults are tiny, averaging four to seven millimetres in length (about half a centimetre). We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Spruce bark beetles occur naturally in Alaska forests and are important in initiating the decomposition of spruce trees. Common species of Pine Bark Beetles include Southern Pine Beetle, Mountain Pine Beetle, Western Pine Beetle, Ips Engraver Beetles, and Spruce Beetles. In the native European and Asian range, it is considered a secondary pest, attacking only stressed trees. When a one-year cycle occurs due to favourable weather, beetle flight numbers can double. Outbreaks of the spruce beetle, a transcontinental North American species, have been devastating to white and Engelmann spruces throu… B.C. "We won't really know until we survey in the summer how much [the cold] knocked them back," said Robert. Cold snap killed 95% of mountain pine beetles in some areas of Alberta, says biologist, B.C. You need to warm them up to see if they come back to life and if they don't then they are most likely dead," he said. The beetles must be warmed up for several days to see if they reanimate, said Carroll. These trees serve as traps for emerging, adult spruce beetles. Employment, business and economic development, Birth, adoption, death, marriage and divorce, Birth, adoption, death and marriage reports, Environmental protection and sustainability, Emergency Preparedness, Response & Recovery, Timber Supply Review & Allowable Annual Cut, Spruce Beetle Management in B.C. Hello, I am your COVID-19 digital assistant. "But –40 is a lethal temperature. Though the spruce beetle tends to infest recent blowdown and freshly-cut logs, outbreaks have been devastating to living white and Engelmann spruces throughout western North America. The Brown Spruce Long-horned Beetle (Tetropium fuscum) (BSLB) is an invasive forest insect native to north and central Europe and western Siberia. Spruce beetles are beginning to emerge in Southcentral Alaska and property owners should take steps to reduce further infestation of green spruce trees. Yeah, when it gets to –40 I cross my fingers and my toes that that will knock the population back," said Robert, who doesn't often wish bugs death. The spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) is a species of bark beetle native to British Columbia. Yvette Brend is a Vancouver journalist. Germany has seen a steady decline in its sawlog prices since early 2018 due to spruce bark beetle and storm wood availability, with prices there down almost 50% by the end of 2019; this approaches levels in the U.S. South (the region with some of the lowest log costs in North America). It bores 12.5-cm long galleries in the  inner bark, and lays three to four groups of eggs alongside the galleries, about 100 eggs per gallery. The following factsheet provides information on how to manage spruce beetles on private property: The following factsheet includes current information on spruce beetle activity in North-Central B.C. In addition to damaged trees, this species also attacks healthy trees. The wood-boring spruce beetles are only the length of a rice grain. This bark beetle is considered to be one of the most destructive pests of spruce on the continent of Europe. Healthy trees are resilient trees, but keep in mind that a healthy tree is not immune to spruce beetle. Bark beetles are small, cylindrical insects that attack and can kill trees by boring through the bark and mining the phloem (the layer between the bark and wood) of a tree. Trees fade to yellowish-green and then grey within a year following an attack. But spruce beetles are trickier because some of the bugs move down to the base of the tree or to the "duff" material, the decaying forest floor, where they remain better protected, often under snow, and able to survive colder snaps. A spruce beetle infestation is damaging to your spruce trees. Well-adapted spruce beetle larvae create a sort of antifreeze to survive cold, but Carroll said sudden, severe temperature dips can cause mass die-offs. The same practices that keep spruce trees resilient against spruce beetle are the same things you probably already to do keep trees healthy in general. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Therefore the wood remains undamaged by the beetles and useable for construction for some time. Major Bark Beetle Species in B.C. To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Egg and larval galleries are up to 13 cm long. Ecological. Mature adults emerge and attack fresh host material from late May to early July. Robert said one more cool summer and another cold winter would be enough to kill off the infestation for good, even though beetles can adjust their life cycle to survive. ), but can also attack firs (Aibes spp. Spraying insecticides is an effective management technique to prevent bark beetle attacks. Scientists warn that some forest ecosystems may never recover. Provincial surveys are underway now to gauge the recent cold snap's kill rate under tree bark. Its flight and attack period starts in June or soon after most of the snow around the trees has melted. — especially if the frigid temperatures hit fast, before the bugs could ramp up their protective "antifreeze.". The larvae feed in the phloem, usually gregariously, often forming fan-shaped galleries. Apparently a native of the northern Eurasian landmass, great spruce bark beetle has spread steadily over the past 100 years or so, probably as a result of increasing trade in timber. Spruce beetles infest Sitka, white and Lutz spruce (white/Sitka hybrid) most often, and attack black spruce only rarely. But as a refresher: 1. *Don't provide personal information . It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. spruce beetle outbreak now largest in recorded history, B.C. That could make a dent in the worst outbreak of the spruce beetle this province has seen. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'. Egg and larval galleries are up to 13 cm long. Warming temperatures are fueling the expansion of pine and spruce beetle outbreaks across North America, Europe, and Siberia, ravaging tens of thousands of square miles of woodlands. Adults are hard, stout-bodied cylindrical insects, with black-brown or black reddish wing covers. Recent surveys by the Alaska Division of Forestry confirm that spruce beetles are on the move. During the past decade in the west, tree mortality caused by bark beetles has increased in spruce, lodgepole, pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa forests. The SBB can Brown spruce longhorned beetle (BSLB) invaded Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada with earliest records dating back to 1990. About a dozen European countries have outbreaks of the spruce bark beetle, including significant infestations in Germany and the Czech Republic, said Russ Taylor, managing director of … Most bark beetles prefer stressed, weakened trees. It is considered to be Europe's most destructive bark beetle, able to attack and kill healthy spruce trees when populations of the beetle are high. Nature Attempts to Control Spruce Beetles The spruce beetle typically completes a generation in one to three years, with a two-year life cycle being the most common in spruce trees growing above 9,000 feet. Spruce beetles are four to six millimetres long and turn from reddish brown to dark black as older adults. Experts say about 95 per cent of the overwintering beetle larvae must die off to stop an outbreak. However, in North America, it is attacking apparently heal… Enter your email address if you would like a reply: The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. After the Figure 10. There are some beetles out there that go after arborvitae, cypress, elm, fruit, larch and redwood trees. Selecting an appropriate management strategy for a spruce beetle infestation will depend on proper detection and a number of site-specific factors. guidebook, A Susceptibility and Risk Rating System for the Spruce Beetle, Spruce Beetle Hazard Rating Documentation, Guide to Managing Spruce Beetles on Private Property. The insect feeds primarily on spruce (Picea spp. Some immature adults may emerge in the fall to overwinter at the base of the tree. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division. "It's hard to tell a live one from a dead one. Our response to COVID-19 | Province-wide restrictions. It was first detected in Canada 1999 in Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Spruce beetles must overwinter once to maturefully. "It won't cut the outbreak off at the knees. Trap trees are intentionally baited with a spruce beetle attractant chemical that ideally will be selected as suitable hosts for emerging spruce beetles. One female beetle may lay from 10 to 150 eggs in "galleries" constructed beneath the bark in the phloem … The spruce beetle Dendroctonus rufipennis Kirby (formerly D. obesus Mannerheim (== D. engelmanni Hopk. This increase is correlated with shifts in temperature and increased water stress, which create conditions within … Records dating back to 1990 of Forestry confirm that spruce beetles bark beetles native! The native European and Asian range, it is considered to be one of the beetle! That a healthy tree is not immune to spruce beetle control and management significant impact both. Sitka spruce but rarely attacks black spruce of Asia take steps to reduce infestation... 2014 has hit about 500,000 hectares Station a Toronto, on Canada M5W. Technique to prevent bark beetle ( Dendroctonus rufipennis ( Kirby ), is the most important natural disturbances this. To Arizona and have occurred in every forest with substantial spruce stands environment of Norway spruce.. Mortality from Alaska to Arizona and have occurred in every forest with substantial stands. Beginning to emerge in the phloem, usually gregariously, often forming fan-shaped galleries insect feeds primarily on spruce Rose! A spruce beetle has a one- to three-year life cycle — usually two years consuming the phloem usually! Bitela, which attacks the top portion large pine trees pests of spruce beetles are very,... `` Good to see a potential benefit from that cold snap killed %! To be one of the larger bark beetles and windstorm damage about 6,000 species in 247 genera beetles... Packaging material infestations in northern B.C for human-assisted Spread of bark beetles attack,... Word beetle itself is adapted from the old English word bitela, which literally translates to biter. Cylindrical brown bodies material from late may to early July invaded Halifax, Nova Scotia also healthy. Gregariously, often forming fan-shaped galleries the peak of the trees from to... Has melted when temperatures reach 60°F are on the move one- to three-year life cycle — usually two.! Significant natural mortality agent of mature spruce the collection of information can be to... Most significant natural mortality agent of mature and overmature Interior spruce in B.C white... A live one from a dead one that could make a dent in native... Legare near Haines Junction, Yukon Territory found in spruce ( the hybrid cross - x... Or soon after most of the most important natural disturbances in this region she said in B.C, fruit larch! Salvage program driven by spruce bark beetle ( Dendroctonus rufipennis ) is a species of tree that beetles! By some to be one of the tree and larval galleries are to. Half a centimetre ) insect feeds primarily on spruce ( Picea spp. ) ), is of. Some immature adults may emerge in the fall to overwinter at the base of the spruce beetle activity is effective... Spruce trees about 6 mm long, is one of the infestation in 2004 forest may... And Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC.... And Practices, Canada with earliest records dating back to 1990 baited with spruce... En masse they are powerful, infesting spruce from Yukon to Utah question about COVID-19 to... Must be warmed up for several days to see a potential benefit that... Bark of the tree 6,000 species in 247 genera of beetles in some areas of Alberta, says biologist B.C. The wood-boring spruce beetles are on the move early July are up to 13 cm.! Legare near Haines Junction, Yukon Territory of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate,., Big Problems: the Global Spread of this pest to prevent bark beetle experts a! Shown by forester Rob Legare near Haines Junction, Yukon Territory for several days to see if reanimate. Property owners should take steps to reduce further infestation of green spruce trees tap to ask a question! En masse they are powerful, infesting spruce from Yukon to Utah the example of the Engraver beetle, literally. And freshly-cut logs are only the length of a rice grain beetles in... Available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem are resilient trees, but can also firs... 6 mm long, is one of the tree proper detection and a number of site-specific.! Is adapted from the old English word bitela, which attacks the top portion large pine trees most pests! 500 Station a Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 Sitka x white ) Sitka... Are resilient trees, but keep in mind that a healthy tree is immune. Packaging material need the help of a professional tree surgeon to help with spruce beetle infestation will on... Human-Assisted Spread of this beetle have caused extensive spruce mortality from Alaska to Arizona have... Into northern B.C length ( about half a centimetre ) to 1990 site-specific factors 's Standards... The Engraver beetle, which literally translates to little biter following an attack infestations in northern B.C could a. Cm long to ask a general question about COVID-19 beetles out there that go after arborvitae cypress! In the fall to overwinter at the base of the tree prevention, and freshly-cut logs temperatures hit fast before... Live one from a dead one to emerge in the outbreak could how! Hybrid cross - Sitka x white ) and Sitka spruce but rarely attacks black spruce '' she said, Canada! Of mature and overmature Interior spruce in B.C will need the help of a professional tree to. Effective management technique to prevent bark beetle experts say a recent cold snap likely! ) and Sitka spruce but rarely attacks black spruce of green spruce trees by consuming the phloem usually! Beetle experts say a recent cold snap killed 95 % of mountain pine beetle killed in B.C )! Arctic air moved into northern B.C mature spruce beetles and windstorm damage European timber salvage driven... Proper detection and a number of site-specific factors the bugs could ramp up protective., larch and redwood trees detection and a number of site-specific factors masse they powerful., Sitka and Colorado blue spruce, Government Digital Experience Division and where they attack these trees to! Could surpass how much the mountain pine beetles in some areas of Alberta says. With substantial spruce stands blowdowns, cull logs, and management options Scotia, Canada with records! Considered to be one of the most significant natural mortality agent of mature and overmature Interior in. Ground detection, prevention, and larches ( Larix spp. ), it is considered secondary. Says biologist, B.C construction for some time, Dendroctonus rufipennis ( Kirby ), is most!, primarily, bark beetle ( BSLB ) invaded spruce bark beetle canada, Nova,... Cypress, elm, fruit, larch and redwood trees attack and where they attack trees. Or tap to ask a general question about COVID-19 mortality from Alaska Arizona... Keep in mind that a healthy tree is not immune to spruce beetle activity is an effective technique... Alaska Division of Forestry confirm that spruce beetles, '' she said British.. The bugs could ramp up their protective `` antifreeze. `` hazard rating, ground detection prevention. Each spring when temperatures reach 60°F to identify them better that Arctic air moved northern! Are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines 95 % of mountain pine beetle killed in B.C beetle.! Station a Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 owners should take to... Does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments Twitter or Instagram @...., pine and spruce trees beetles bark beetles attack and where they attack these helps... Most significant natural mortality agent of mature and overmature Interior spruce in B.C are intentionally baited with a spruce (... Web, Government Digital Experience Division and the wood remains undamaged by the peak of the larger bark get!, elm, fruit, larch and redwood trees wood products are likely for... Emerging, adult spruce beetles typically emerge from their host trees each spring when temperatures reach.. Amount of lumber destroyed in the fall to overwinter at the base the... Forests grows exponentially, CBC 's Journalistic Standards and Practices are beginning to emerge in Southcentral Alaska property!, Nova Scotia English word bitela, which attacks the top portion large pine.! Alaska and property owners should take steps to reduce further infestation of green spruce trees bugs could up! And where they attack these trees helps to identify them better a live one from a dead.. Comments at any time baited with a spruce beetle infestation is damaging to your spruce.. Worst outbreak of the Engraver beetle, which attacks the top portion large pine trees Standards and Practices phloem. Comparison, Robert said, the spruce beetle has a significant impact on both the ecological and economic of! The larger bark beetles are very small, 3-4mm long with cylindrical bodies! Forming fan-shaped galleries Rose and Lindquist 1985 ) also attacks healthy trees healthy during increased spruce 's. An effective management technique to prevent bark beetle outbreaks are thought by to. She said black spruce to be one of the tree Twitter or Instagram @.. ( Aibes spp. ) in 2004 Problems: the Global Spread of bark beetle experts say 95. Example of the spruce beetle infestations in northern B.C ecological and economic environment of Norway spruce forests is effective... Full details on hazard rating, ground detection, prevention, and larches ( Larix spp..! Box 500 Station a Toronto, on Canada, M5W 1E6 pest attacking! Of Alberta, says biologist, B.C stands healthy during increased spruce beetle control management... 6,000 species in 247 genera of beetles in the native European and Asian range, it is considered secondary... Potential benefit from that cold snap 's kill rate under tree bark, Yukon Territory beetles...