| The Southern Pine Beetle (SPB) is a bark beetle that infests and kills Pine Trees. All over New York, they have caused devastation to many stands of Pine Trees in alarming rates. |
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| The adult SPB enters the tree through crevices in the bark. This is where it lays its eggs. The SPB then creates S-shaped galleries just beneath the bark as it moves around the tree. |
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When the SPB enters the bark of a Pine Tree, the tree resists the initial attack by secreting resin. The resin is a natural defense mechanism that Pine Trees produce to close up the holes and resist disease and other pests. The resin makes circular, popcorn-like "pitch tubes" throughout the entire bark of the tree. Although this is a strong defense, Pine Trees are not always able to protect themselves when attacked by an abundant amount of SPB.
When the SPB is full grown, they exit the Pine Tree and find another tree to inhabit and lay eggs. They leave a pencil sized exit hole. This is another distinctive feature that the SPB is present from observing the bark.
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How to report sightings of Southern Pine Beetle in Massapequa Preserve
Please use our google form to report sightings below: