Insects and diseases pose two of the most serious threats to a tree's health. As soon as any abnormality is discovered in a tree's appearance, measures should be taken to diagnose the problem.
Common Forest Insects & Diseases
2018 Insect & Disease Activity in Colorado Forests
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2018 Individual Insect Activity & Information
Roundheaded Pine Beetle
Roundheaded pine beetle activity has affected approximately 52 percent of the ponderosa pine forest ecosystems in Dolores County since 2000.
Spruce Bark Beetle
Severe outbreaks continued in portions of the San Juan Mountains, West Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range; the southern reaches of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains; and portions of north-central Colorado.
Douglas-fir Beetle
Widespread groupings of tree mortality occurred in portions of the northern Sawatch Range; northern areas of the La Garita Mountains, south of Gunnison; the Needle Mountains near Lake City; and the San Miguel River drainage.
2018 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests
The Colorado State Forest Service 2018 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests contains a comprehensive statewide insect and disease update, covering indigenous and exotic pests in Colorado's conifer and deciduous forests.
Up-to-date photos, maps and charts in the report tell the complex story of how insects and diseases are affecting Colorado's forests.
2018 Forest Health Report Story Map
CSFS Forest Entomologist Dr. Dan West has produced an Esri Story Map for the 2018 Forest Health Report, which tells the story of how data was collected to compile the report, and offers users an interactive way to find out about forest conditions in their area.
By examining specific symptoms of insect or disease damage, you can make a reasonable diagnosis of the problem and select the proper treatment.
If you are uncertain about the type of insect or disease or do not know how to treat them, contact your local CSFS Field Office to conduct a home-site assessment of the trees on your property.
Learn More About Insects & Diseases in Colorado
- Aspen Common Insects & Diseases
- Douglas-fir Beetle
- Douglas-fir Tussock Moth
- Dwarf Mistletoe
- Emerald Ash Borer
- Fir Engraver Beetle
- Ips Beetle
- Mountain Pine Beetle
- Spruce Beetle
- Western Spruce Budworm
Publications
- Aspen and Poplar Leaf Spots (203 KB PDF)
- Bark Beetles: Are Your Trees At Risk? (2.4 MB PDF)
- Diagnosing Tree Disorders (77 KB PDF)
- Douglas-fir Beetle – 2016 Quick Guide (561 KB PDF)
- Dwarf Mistletoe Management (127 KB PDF)
- Emerald Ash Borer – Quick Guide (6 MB PDF)
- Fir Engraver Beetle – Quick Guide (6.8 MB PDF)
- Landowner Guide to Living with Bark Beetles (2.7 MB PDF)
- Spraying Trees to Protect Against Mountain Pine Beetle (43 KB PDF)
- Spruce Beetle – 2014 Quick Guide (493 KB PDF)
- Western Spruce Budworm (5.5 MB PDF)