Western Cedar Bark Beetle

The Western Cedar Bark Beetle (Phloeosinus punctatus) is a species of bark beetle native to North America. It is a small, black beetle that typically measures about 1/8 to 3/16 inch in length. It is a common pest of western red cedar (Thuja plicata) and can also attack incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens), as well as other species of conifers. The adult beetles typically emerge from infested trees in late spring and early summer. They feed on the outer layers of bark and lay their eggs in the galleries they create. The larvae feed on the inner bark, causing the tree to become girdled and eventually die. This results in the death of the entire tree or the upper portions of the tree. Infestations of Western Cedar Bark Beetle can be recognized by the presence of small, round holes in the bark, as well as sawdust and frass around the base of the tree. In order to prevent infestations, it is important to maintain the health of the tree and to avoid stressing it through activities such as over-watering or over-pruning. Control measures for Western Cedar Bark Beetle include removing and destroying infested trees, as well as chemical treatments such as insecticides. However, it is important to remember that chemical treatments should only be applied by a licensed professional, and that they may not always be effective in preventing or controlling infestations. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove and replace affected trees in order to prevent further spread of the beetle to healthy trees.