The spruce bark beetle has caused extensive tree damage to all species of spruce throughout the West. These infestations usually are found in large diameter trees that have been felled by wind or stressed by natural factors such as flooding, drought or old age.

Symptoms of Infestation

Needles on infested trees tend to drop to the ground after high winds. This can happen the second summer after the tree has been infested. On other trees, the needles fade to an orange-red. Trees that have been killed by the spruce bark beetle are very dry and may create a severe fire hazard. In addition, wood products can be lost and watershed function impaired.

Management Options

Large outbreaks of the spruce bark beetle are difficult to control. Small infestations can be eliminated by quick action such as removal of infested trees. Contact a professional forester about the silvicultural, physical and chemical management practices available.

Want to learn more about spruce bark beetle? Please check out the following documents:

• Bark Beetles: Are Your Trees At Risk? (2.4 MB PDF)
• Spruce Bark Beetle Poster (270 KB PDF)
• Pages 3 through 12 of the 2005 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forest (7.5 MB PDF)