What Is the IPS Beetle?
IPS Beetles (also known as IPS Engraver Beetles) are small brown beetles that feed on already declining pine and spruce trees. If your pine and spruce trees are healthy, then they should be able to fend off the beetles, but you can never be too careful. The ISA Certified Arborists at Wachtel Tree Science can help provide IPS Beetle treatment for your evergreens. Trees prone to IPS Engraver Beetles include Pine Trees and Spruce Trees.
Signs of IPS Beetle Damage
Early Signs
Color Changes
Yellowing and browning of needles.
Holes
Small, scattered round holes through the bark (⅛ inch in diameter).
Dust
Rust-colored dust at the base of affected trees.
Late Signs
Severe Color Changes
Majority of needs are yellow or brown.
Numerous Holes
Many small diameter, round holes throughout the tree (⅛ inch in diameter).
Tunneling
If bark near holes is removed, you will see tunnels in the wood underneath, much like that of the Emerald Ash Borer.
IPS Beetle Prevention
For Homeowners
- Proper tree health – stressed trees will be more prone to infestation.
- Keep trees watered in periods of drought.
For Professionals
- Insecticide applications during various times of the year.
- Tree removal and replacement if it is too late to save the tree.
- Proper disposal of removed trees to prevent the spread of the IPS Engraver Beetle.
IPS Beetle Infestation Treatment
Step 1
Proper diagnosis from an ISA Certified Arborist.
Step 2
Insecticide treatments.
Step 3
Removal and proper disposal of dead trees.
IPS Beetle FAQ
Find anwers to your questions about the IPS Beetle.
How big are IPS Beetles?
Adult IPS Engraver Beetles are about ⅛ to 3/16 inches long and cylindrical in shape.
Do IPS Beetles kill trees?
Typically IPS Engraver Beetles go after trees that are already declining. Even healthy trees can see negative effects from these beetles and if left untreated could mean death of the tree.