NEW INFO ON BEETLE INFESTATION FOR 2025
 
- This info was provided through direct discussion (late Feb 2025) between Bill and Dr. Dan West,  State Entomologist for Colorado and is said to be the foremost authority on pine beetle in the entire southern Rocky Mountain region.  He has visited us and is very familiar with Missouri Lakes and our situation.
 
- Missouri Lakes is at the northern edge of a severe epidemic in mountain pine beetle (MPB). This will be the 3rd year that we are trying to fight this beetle.  The beetle can easily devastate an entire lot and affect your neighbors.  We have gotten questions about why we should continue to spend money to fight the beetle and should we expect to have to do so "forever".  The answer is that the epidemic will likely fade within a few more years.  But, Dan says, last year was one of the driest and hottest summers on record.  Therefore, he predicts the beetle problem will be even worse than last year.  He says "Do not quit now. This is NOT the year to sit it out." Money invested in preventative measures outlined here will act as insurance to save money on tree removal and also save the trees.
 
- How effective is the treatment?  Dan has conducted and continues to conduct detailed studies of the effectiveness of the Verbenone.  It is actually highly effective (not 100%), despite some people claiming it is useless.  Here is what he says:  if you have 5 pine trees next to a heavily infested area, expect to lose 4 out of the 5 without using Verbenone.  If you use Verbenone, expect to lose one out of the 5. 
 
- Bill asked him yet again about the issue of avoiding cutting green pines in summer.  This has also been discounted by some as being hype. Dan says, absolutely the sap from cutting (whole trees or just trimming) is the exact attractant these beetles use to attack a tree. It exactly counteracts what the Verbenone (a repellent) is doing.  If this happens, we are spending a lot of money, but working at cross-purposes.  He says it would be best to avoid cutting green PINE between May 1 and Oct 1. Given that this may be difficult, he says AT LEAST avoid cutting during the most active beetle period, which is July 1 to Sep 1.  This is not relevant to aspen, fir, or spruce, or dead pine.
 
- There is a new packet size this year - larger - the 7.8 gram XL packet.  It has the same effusion rate as the 5.9 gram packet, so it actually lasts LONGER - up to 110 days, vs. 60-90 days for the 5.9 gram.  Use it, for example, if you are here on Memorial Day and then gone all summer, or to be certain to cover the full time span of susceptibility.  Ideal times for placement of XL packet are about end May, while  for 5.9 g packet about mid-June.  All products cover the same area (12-ft radius = 24-ft-diameter circular area).
 
- Be aware that beetles are now seeking out smaller trees (down to 6" diameter) if they can't find a home in the preferred 16-20" diameter trees.
 
- Don't pay attention to the MCH product.  That is for spruce & fir beetle.  We don't have those here. Verbenone is for pine beetle.
 
- If you need to store Verbenone, put in a well-sealed turkey-roasting bag or glass jar, and freeze.  It won't ruin food if stored properly.
 
- For bubbles, staple to tree with bubble toward tree, to reduce sun exposure.
 
- If any green tree has (hardened) pitch tubes spanning 75% or less of tree circumference, the tree has a good chance to survive.
 
LESSONS FROM OUR OWN USE OF VERBENONE 2024
 
- Staples of 1/2" length are really too long for lodgepole and limber pine because the tree will start leaking sap.  Better are 3/8" length.  Staples of 1/2" are better for ponderosa. 
 
- One staple per packet (vs. 2) is likely good enough and reduces leaking sap.

 

- For additional information or help, contact