Mountain Pine Beetle Identification and Management

Many counties in the western region of Montana have been experiencing an outbreak of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in their forested lands for several years, evident as patches of red dying pine trees. Outbreaks typically occur when trees are mature and this native insect plays a natural role in regenerating western pine forests. However, with literally billions of beetles inhabiting the forests surrounding our communities their spill over into our urban environments is inevitable. Western region cities such as Butte and Missoula among many others have been battling mountain pine beetles for several years. More recently counties in the central region, including Toole, Pondera, Teton, Cascade and others have reported beetle attacks. In the city of Great Falls approximately 1000 trees were attacked and killed during the summer of 2008. Urban and shelter belt trees can have significant aesthetic and sentimental value, and the prospect of losing such valuable trees can cause considerable alarm.