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
2017 Insect & Disease Activity in Colorado Forests
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Individual Insect Activity & Information
Spruce Bark Beetle
Spruce beetle outbreaks continued in 2017 in portions of the San Juan/La Garita Ranges, West Elk Mountains, Sawatch Range, Sangre de Cristo Range and Wet Mountains ...
Douglas-fir Beetle
Pocket activity of the Douglas-fir beetle in 2017 occurred in portions of the Flat Tops Wilderness, Rampart Range and Sangre de Cristo Ranges ...
Other Pests Found in Colo.
The Douglas-fir tussock moth, fir engraver bark beetle and emerald ash borer were other insects present in Colorado in 2017 that affected Colorado's trees and forests.
2017 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests
The Colorado State Forest Service 2017 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.
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)