MAY-JUNE 2015 – The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) has been found in New Haven, Litchfield and Hartford Counties. Pitch Pine is a preferred host. See the press release at ct.gov/caes
SPB is a small, destructive beetle, 2 mm in length. Pines attempt to push the attacking beetles out with a flow of resin. Attacked trees are covered with small popcorn-like blobs of dried resin. If the attack is successful the beetles lay eggs under the bark, the larvae then feed on the circulatory system of the tree, and kill the tree in one to two years.
If you see SPB or pines with the popcorn resin, contact The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at ctstateentomologist@ct.gov or (203) 974-8474.
