Overview
Ips beetles are aggressive bark beetles that attack stressed conifers throughout Colorado. Unlike Mountain Pine Beetles that can attack healthy trees, Ips beetles typically target trees weakened by drought, injury, or other stressors.
Signs of Infestation
- Reddish-brown boring dust in bark crevices
- Small pitch tubes (smaller than Mountain Pine Beetle)
- Rapid needle discoloration (often within weeks)
- Y-shaped or H-shaped galleries under bark
- Woodpecker activity
Treatment & Prevention
The best defense against Ips beetles is maintaining tree health through proper watering, mulching, and stress reduction. Remove infested trees promptly to prevent population buildup. Preventative sprays may be appropriate for high-value trees during outbreak conditions.