Insects of Loblolly Pines

Southern Pine Beetle

• The southern pine beetle, or Dendroctonus frontalis, is the most devastating pest of loblolly pines. The greenish-black adult beetles, which are each smaller than a grain of rice, bore S-shaped egg galleries beneath the trees' bark; in severe cases, the tree's water supply is jeopardized and the tree dies. Symptoms include needles that become light green, then yellow; as the infestation progresses, they turn reddish-brown and fall off. Easily peeled bark and piles of white sawdust at a tree's base are other clues to the presence of southern pine beetles. Although pine beetles can infest trees year-round, the whitish, C-shaped larva are most likely to emerge in the spring and summer. Southern pine beetles are most likely to attack trees that have been damaged or subjected to flooding or prolonged drought. According to the USFS, infested loblollies must be promptly removed, with proper disposal of all debris.

Pine Engraver Beetle

• Pine engraver beetles, also known as "ips" beetles, are not as aggressive as southern pine beetles. They tend to attack newly transplanted seedlings and severely stressed pines; in times of prolonged drought, however, they may strike healthy trees. Like southern pine beetles, engraver beetles create egg galleries under the bark. Instead of having a serpentine design, the tunnels are Y- or H-shaped. Symptoms include dust at the base of trees, browning of needles and small holes in the bark. Adults are reddish-brownish to black, and are 1/8 to 3/8 inch long; the grayish, dark-headed larva are about 1/4 inch long. According to Colorado State University, you can apply permethrin, bifenthrin or carbaryl -- sold under the trade name Sevin -- to the bark in early spring to help prevent infestation. Repeat the application in the summertime.

Pine Tip Moth

• The pine tip moth, which usually feeds on young loblolly pines less than five years old, is about 1/4 inch long and features red, bronze and gray patches on its wings. Its whitish-yellow larvae feed on new growth after emerging, then bore into the bark. Pine tip moths cause browning and dying of foliage tips; you may also notice a fine webbing on the ends of branches. Shoots and buds that are hollow when broken open can help confirm a diagnosis of pine tip moths. Although they can cause dieback of new growth and stunting, the damage is usually more unsightly than dangerous. University of Florida Extension advises spraying with Sevin to control pine tip moths.

Loblolly Requirements

• Providing loblolly pine trees with the proper conditions can make them less susceptible to insect infestation. Loblolly pines grow best when planted in full sun in deep, moderately acidic soils with fine-textured subsoils. They are not picky about soil type and can thrive in sandy, loamy or clay soils but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Clemson University Extension advises controlling competing hardwood vegetation and weeds. Use care when transplanting or pruning to avoid root and bark injuries through which insects can enter. After pruning or thinning loblolly pines, safely dispose of all freshly cut wood or branches; this material can attract pests.