Mountain Pine Beetle - Control Options

Preventative Spraying
High value trees that are free from MPB may be treated through early to mid-July to help prevent infestation.

Treatment of Infested Trees
Only trees that are currently infested need to be treated. Trees that have been dead since the previous summer do not harbor the beetle.

Option 1 - Solar (Timing: by May 15th)

Cut infested trees.
Remove and scatter limbs.
Cut trunk into 4 ft. lengths (or less).
Stack logs no more than two high in a location that will get a full day's sun.
Rotate logs every 30 days to allow all side to be heated.

Option 2 - Solar With Plastic (Timing: by June 15th)

Cut infested trees.
Remove and scatter limbs.
Cut trunk into 4 ft. lengths (or less).
Stack logs no more than two high in a location that will get a full day's sun.
Cover with clear plastic at least 6 mil thick.
Dig a trench around the stack of logs.
Bury the edge of the tarp with soil.
Leave plastic in place for at least 3 months.

Option 3 - Debarking (Timing: by July 15th)

Cut infested trees.
Remove and scatter limbs.
Remove the bark using chainsaw attachment, draw knife, ax, etc. It may be easier if the trees are felled and allowed to age for a short time.

Last Modified: Jan 28, 2011 02:48 PM