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Verbenone & Pine Beetle FAQ

Climate change has made the beetle problem worse. Outbreaks are a natural part of western U.S. ecosystems, but beetle populations grow with warmer temperatures that speed their development and with drought that stresses host trees and makes them easier to attack. See the Pine Beetle FAQ's for more.

Mountain pine beetles, fir and spruce beetles, and IPS beetles take turns causing devastation throughout the mountain west. Heavy snowpack and wet weather slow the damage because hydrated trees are stronger from spring through summer. But as drought returns, so do the beetles. Even high elevations rarely get cold enough in deep winter to kill the larvae, which sit under the bark filled with their own beetle antifreeze.

Previous pine beetle devastation invites IPS beetles, which establish themselves in freshly killed or damaged trees and in downed and burned trees, then build large enough populations to take over healthier forests. That makes preventing mountain pine beetle damage early doubly important.

Pine beetles kill trees by strangling them and depriving them of nutrients. Adult mountain pine beetles burrow into trees and lay eggs under the bark, and the larvae infest and destroy the tree. The mountain pine beetle also carries blue stain fungus, which, combined with larval feeding, blocks water and nutrient transport inside the tree.

NO. Just moving around. It would be very nice to think that their cycle is ending. However, we talk to the Forest Service and other people all over the Western US.

While Bark Beetles have been around for millennia, and while they have been known to cycle through the forest periodically, there are factors at play that have not previously been so prevalent. Because forest temperatures are warming, the beetles are not being frozen out during the coldest part of the winter. Warming temperatures also bring draught. Draught is weakening trees, which then become more susceptible to beetle-born disease. For these reasons, there seems no end in sight until the trees are gone unless we protect the forests.

Conventional wisdom has stated that Mountain Pine Beetles have a one year life cycle in most of the Rocky Mountains. In late summer (usually June-July-Aug in Rocky Mountain States and BC) the newly hatched adults leave the tree of their metamorphosis, seeking out larger trees in the surrounding area. When the adults arrive, they begin tunnelling under the bark, lay eggs, which turn to larvae and live through the winter to produce more egg-laying adults in the late Spring or Summer.

However, recent studies are showing that the beetles are having more than one brood a year in some elevations, doubling their devastation.

Lodgepole Pine, Whitebark Pine, White Pine, Western White PIne, Ponderosa Pine, Sugar Pine, and Limber Pine are the most common, although several other species are at risk. Actually all native pines except pinyon. Given the choice, Mountain Pine Beetles choose the largest diameter trees: 6-7" trunk or larger. However, when those are gone, they will attack smaller trees.

Research shows that it takes about 40 successful beetles to actually kill a tree. The problem is that you can't tell if each of 40 pitch tubes were successful. The second problem is that ANY successful beetles will multiply in the tree, letting loose another horde the next season, which will probably be successful in killing the current tree AND attacking adjacent trees. (One beetle can produce up to 60 new beetles next season)

It is estimated that one infested tree will hatch swarms that kill at least two more trees and possibly more. More broods, more swarms.

Frequently it is not the actual beetles that kill the tree. Beetles carry a fungus (known as blue stain fungus) that gets into the tree and starts to grow, cutting off water and nutrient flow to the trunk. When you cut down a beetle-killed tree, you can usually see rings and areas of blue in the exposed inner trunk.

There is an old adage that you can shake hands with a fir tree but not a spruce tree. If the needles are very uncomfortable to touch, it is not a Douglas Fir. However, the difference between a pine and a fir is a little more detailed.

You must look at the needles. If the tree is a Douglas Fir tree the needles will be attached to the branch one at a time, and they will be short. If it is a pine tree, the needles will be attached in pods of two or more attached to the branch and much longer needles. Pines are susceptible to Mountain Pine Beetles. Douglas Firs are susceptible to Douglas Fir Beetles. The preventative treatments are different as is the timing of prevention.

Almost never. If the beetles don't get it the blue stain fungus that they introduce into it will eventually kill it. It is best to take it out now and minimize its risk of killing adjacent trees.

YES! If a tree is infested, its chances of survival are minimal at best. You must cut it down. But that is not the end of the story. You must get rid of the downed wood or the beetles will live happily on in the lifeless trunk, using stored nutrients, until the spring or summer. Then they will develop and fly as usual.

Yes. When time or labor is short you can cut trees infested this year in the Fall before the snow. They can remain on the ground until Spring. They can frequently be burned during a snowy Spring without risk to the forest. Or they can be bucked and hauled to a burner before the next hatching time in your area.

YES.. ISCA Verbenone Pouches and SPLAT Verb paste can be applied to selected trees. They emit a natural pheromone fragrance that repels the beetles from the area surrounding the tree. Studies show them 95%-100% effective at saving the trees.

It is very targeted to the specific species it was designed to deter. It will not affect other species - not even other beetles. It doesn't even actually KILL the Mountain Pine Beetles.

The major difference is in the amount of Verbenone contained in the pouch. Synergy Shield contains only 5.88 grams of Verbenone pheromone while ISCA pouches now contain nearly 7 grams of Verbenone.

Don't worry that you are infecting your neighbor's property. While some beetles deterred from your trees may land on others on adjacent property, they have a limited amount of energy to fly in search of a suitable tree. Many will die of exhaustion in unsuccessful transit. During their search, they will also become great meals for birds.

It would, of course, be a good idea for your neighbor to protect his trees as well. Orders of Verbenone can be combined to get more discounts to make it even less expensive for a group than for an individual.

Prevailing winds certainly affect the direction the beetles move. Winds also affect the direction of the plume of Verbenone beetle repellent. Use them to your advantage when placing the Verbenone pouches. The pouch will protect the trees directly around it and in the direction the wind takes it. SPLAT paste is applied to all 4 sides of the tree, so it protects no matter the direction of the wind.

Of course, only you can decide if you want a toxic chemical on your trees or near your property. Pesticides have shown success in killing attacking beetles before they bore into the tree bark. However, as satisfying as killing beetles can be, these types of products (even the mildest of them) affect other species. Dead, poisoned beetles are not good fodder for birds or fish. The drainage and run-off from chemicals sprayed on trees affects the water table as well.

Studies show that Verbenone alone is as effective as these sprays - without the side effects.

Beetle traps are a two edged sword. Because the beetles are attracted to them you would think them the perfect answer: Gather them all into the trap and be done with it. Unfortunately, Mountain Pine Beetles have a very poorly developed sense of direction. Certainly, some hit the trap. But many will miss the trap and hit nearby unprotected trees. If those trees are susceptible pines it could be devastating.

There is some logic to using a pine beetle trap in a large aspen grove. If you have a large grove of trees (such as Aspen) that are NOT susceptible to beetles, the trap might be a good idea. It could pull the beetles from the infested area into an area where they will be unsuccessful at finding a suitable host tree.

ALWAYS ask a forest professional if this is a good plan for your particular property before taking the risk.

No, some pine beetles are attracted to recently dead logs and slash, but the logs of your cabin are either too old to emit attractants or are treated with sealers. If you happen to bring live pine beetles into your house on stored firewood, vacuum them with the vacuum cleaner and spray the bag with an insect killer before discarding.

Colorado State Univesity offers an authoritative look at Pine Beetles here.

Beetles and other insects communicate using pheromones (fragrances). Verbenone (whether pouch or paste) is a synthetic fragrance that replicates the beetle pheromone, sending a message to arriving swarms that the tree is full and that the food supply is insufficient for additional beetles. Arriving beetles receive the "message" that they should look elsewhere for a suitable host.

Easy-to-use, controlled-release dispensers or paste are applied to individual trees. The tagged tree has a halo of fragrance surrounding it, and prevailing breezes carry the "plume" of pheromone in the direction of the surrounding trees within 25 ft. that you want protected .

Because beetles are not strong flyers, their next tree host must be within a short distance. If that home is "full", they must continue traveling until they reach a good tree. By forcing them to fly further and further, they succumb to exhaustion or simply can't find a suitable host and land in an inhospitable place where they die.

The tree pictured here has been successfully attacked by beetles. The white pitch wads are the tree's way of trying to trap and kill the beetles. If the tree is full of water (not draught-weakened), it is sometimes successful and preventing the beetles from penetrating. However, a tree so heavily attacked is a potential mother-load of beetles that will hatch and spread the contagion next year. It must be cut and burned.

Verbenone helps control:

• Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendractonus ponderosae)
• Pine Engraver - Ips pini (only partially successful)
• Northern Spruce Engraver - Ips perturbatus (only partially successful)
• California Five-spined Ips - Ips paraconfusus (only partially successful)
• Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)
• Western Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomus)

And can be used on:

• Lodgepole Pine
• Ponderosa Pine
• Whitebark Pine
• Western White Pine
• Southwestern White Pine
• Pinyon Pine
• Sugar Pine
• Limber Pine
• Loblolly Pine and other susceptible pine species.

Verbenone has been used as part of integrated pest management programs (IPM) for more than a decade. Many studies show that areas treated with Verbenone, as part of an IPM program, fare significantly better than those that are not. It is commercially used by the Forest Service, National Parks, State Agencies, Recreation Areas, Home Owner's Associations in high value recreational or private land holdings, and professional tree service companies. Read last year's reviews.

Verbenone Pouch is considered a "soft" pest control product and can be used in environmentally sensitive habitats. It is environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and even the beetles themselves. Registered by EPA and most Rocky Mountain States. All pheromones in controlled release dispensers are approved organic by USDA/NOP. It is user and Eco-Friendly. Unlike the insecticides approved for Mt. Pine Beetle control,Verbenone does not kill bees, beneficial insects, aquatic organisms. The EPA classifies it as CAUTION, which is indicative of needing the lowest level of concern in regards to insecticides. Not restricted use. (Always follow label instructions.)

Verbenone pouches: hang one pouch per tree on the north-facing (shaded) side of the trunk, 6–12 ft above the ground — as high as you can safely reach.

• Use the reinforced strip at the top of the pouch. Do not put the nail or tack through the center — it damages the packet and the verbenone escapes too quickly.
• A 1″ galvanized roofing nail works fine. One swing of the Extension Hammer gets you higher up the trunk without a ladder or staple gun.
• Place the pouch on the shady side and let the pheromone plume drift toward the trees you are protecting. Release is fastest in warm weather.

SPLAT Verbenone: apply four dollops evenly spaced around the trunk, 7–10 ft up, just before the beetles fly. Each dollop is about 17.5 g (0.75 oz) — roughly the size of a thick sandwich cookie.

• With a standard caulking gun, use the low-force setting with the red tab on top in the upward position. A food scale is an easy way to check your first dollop.
• Trees 6–12 in in diameter usually take a 4-sided treatment. Very large trees may need 6–8 dollops.
• Each dollop protects roughly 20 ft above and below it and around the tree, so four sides give a 360° halo. Dispersal is fastest in warm weather.

Full step-by-step directions are in the Verbenone Instructions and the SPLAT application instructions.

Verbenone pouches: one pouch protects one tree for the season.

• Individual trees: 1 pouch. For a large or especially valuable tree, use 2 — one at 6 ft and one at 12 ft.
• Stands and acreage: a grid of at least 20 pouches per acre.
• Stand perimeter: one pouch every 25 ft, plus one on the north side of the largest tree.

SPLAT Verbenone: one tube treats 10 trees. Every tree gets four dollops, so divide the number of trees by 10 and round up.

• Acreage: up to 1.5 kg per acre (2 tubes), applied to 10–20 trees per acre at 75–115 g per tree.
• Stand perimeter: treat at least one tree every 25 ft around the edge, evenly spaced through the acre.
• Large areas: above 5 acres, SPLAT is usually more cost effective than any other verbenone treatment.

Treating a larger area works in your favor: beetles repelled from it have further to fly, and more of them exhaust and die in flight.

Work in a spiral, starting at the house:

1. Protect the trees closest to the house first — those are usually the ones you cannot replace.
2. Spiral outward, protecting the next ring of trees as you go.

That way your most important trees end up the most heavily protected. If beetles are coming from an untreated neighbor, treat a horseshoe-shaped buffer of healthy trees at the advancing edge, with treated trees no more than 25 ft apart, and boost the dose on your largest trees.

Verbenone is registered for pine trees of any species, including limber, loblolly, lodgepole, pinyon, ponderosa, sugar, shortleaf, Virginia, western white, white, and whitebark pine.

It is used in forests, around homes and cabins, on golf courses, in parks and campgrounds, in municipal and shade-tree plantings, and along rights of way.

Verbenone is formulated for the mountain pine beetle. It is only partially effective against IPS, southern pine beetle, western pine beetle, and other bark beetles.

• Mountain pine beetle stays in the lower 20 ft of the trunk and prefers larger trees.
• IPS works the small branches, tips, slash, and broken wood — and can produce two to four generations a year, so its flight season runs much longer.

The single best IPS defense is to remove all slash, boughs, and limbs immediately.

SPLAT is a ready-to-use thick paste. It may harden if stored somewhere cold — allow about 48 hours at room temperature to bring it back to a workable consistency, and check it 24 hours before you plan to apply.

Unused tubes last 2 years or more if kept cool: a refrigerator, cold basement, or shed is fine. Do not freeze SPLAT.

Apply just before the beetles fly, when daytime temperatures reach 55–65°F:

• Above 8,000 ft: June 1 – July 4.
• Below 5,000 ft: start around May 1.
• Hot, low elevations (Arizona mountains, Okanagan Valley): as early as April — and you may need a second or third treatment in July through September.

Lower latitudes and lower elevations start early and must treat twice to cover two swarms per season. Northern latitudes and higher elevations start later and usually treat only once per season. Because weather patterns are changing, beetles are hatching earlier and staying later; the 11 most affected western states expect more mortality in the next 3–5 years, with mid-elevations of 3,000–5,000 ft particularly hard hit. Fires have also been epidemic.

Buy enough for a second flight up front. Manufacturers cut production before the season ends, and supplies run out.

Get a best-guess window from the timing calculator, then confirm current timing with your state forestry agency. See Verbenone Instructions for more detail.

Protection lasts 90–120 days (8–20 weeks), depending on the weather.

Verbenone pouches: the 7 gram Extended Release formula is built to cover an entire mountain pine beetle flight season.

SPLAT Verbenone: the paste is formulated to release biologically active verbenone across an entire mountain pine beetle flight season.

Release speeds up as temperatures rise, so the hotter the site, the shorter the window. Plan on reapplying every season, and expect a second application in areas with more than one flight per year.

Meet the Wild Visions, Inc producers

SUMMARY Operational Success of Verbenone Against the Mountain Pine Beetle

Over the last 20 years, Verbenone has been shown to be very successful in repelling Mountain Pine Beetles.

Pouches have been studied for nearly 20 years, showing high efficacy in every study.

SPLAT has been studied for 10+ years and has shown to be nearly 100% successful in repelling Mountain Pine Beetle from pine trees in repeated studies between 2011 to 2021. In fact, when compared to both trees treated with standard pouches and untreated trees (all of which had MPB bait), SPLAT deters MPB colonization better than other verbenone treatments - even if the pouches contained twice the active ingredient.

All studies concluded that treatment with verbenone pouches and SPLAT Verb at roughly 11 meter centers protects trees from attack by the MPB, even when the tested trees included trees with actual beetle bait attached.

• In a 2012–2013 study, 28 out of 30 untreated control trees fell victim to the beetle plague, whereas all SPLAT Verb-treated trees within the same vicinity remained healthy and un-infested a full year after treatment.
  
  2016 According to a USDA.gov blog on Feb 3, 2016: Throughout a two-year USDA-funded research project, SPLAT Verb consistently achieved a 100 percent rate of protection when applied to individual lodgepole pines, even when bark beetle infestation rates were shown to be high.
  
  In addition, these studies showed that SPLAT Verb can produce a protective “halo effect” that repels MPB from the trees up to 11 meters from the one it was directly applied.
• 2012 In an article titled, "Applied Chemical Ecology of the Mountain Pine Beetle" by Robert A. Progar, Nancy Gillette, Christopher J. Fettig, and Kathryn Hrinkevich, Fettig et al. (2012d) began evaluating SPLAT formulated with verbenone (“SPLATVerb”) for protecting individual P. contorta (Lodgepole Pine) from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae (MPB) in Wyoming in 2011.
  
  2013 Although this research was in the early stages of development, SPLATVerb appeared promising for individual tree protection as 100% tree protection was observed, whereas 93.3% tree mortality occurred in the untreated control. (C.J. Fettig, A. Mafra-Neto, and A.S. Munson, unpubl. data, Jan. 15, 2013).

• In another study on SPLAT Verb efficacy on individual lodgepole pines, there was a zero percent mortality rate on trees treated with SPLAT Verb, compared to a 93% mortality rate in untreated trees. In small stands, treatment with SPLAT Verb proved nearly twice as effective as an alternative verbenone product and reduced tree mortality compared to an untreated control by a factor of 6.

• 2013 to 2015: Results from the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park indicated that SPLAT® Verb was efficacious in protecting sugar pines from MPB attack. All SPLAT® Verb treatments were considered extremely efficacious; within the Stanislaus National Forest, less than 5% of trees died as a result of D. ponderosae colonization within the highest dose group and within Yosemite National Park, no trees were colonized or killed by D. ponderosae.

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• Fettig et al. 2015 SPLAT Single Tree Protection - Lodgepole Pines: (see graph below) SPLAT Verb demonstrated efficacy in protecting individual lodgepole pines, Pinus contorta, against mountain beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae (MPB) in a publilshed research trial. All trees were treated with a MPB attractant. An astounding 100% of the 30 trees treated with SPLAT Verb (70g verbenone/tree) survived with no signs of colonization by MPB (despite attractant), whereas only 7% of the 30 untreated trees survived and 0% of the control trees escaped MPB colonization.

  

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• Fettig et al. 2016 SPLAT Single Tree Protection - Lodgepole Pines: (see graph below) SPLAT Verb succeeded in protecting individual lodgepole pines against MPB in another published research trial in 2016. Similarly efficacious results were obtained, with 93% of the MPB-baited trees treated with SPLAT Verb (70g/tree) surviving compared to only 13% of the trees in the control group.

  

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• Fettig et al. 2020 Single Tree Protection - Dose Response - Lodgepole Pines (see graph below)) In yet another published research trial, researchers examined the efficacy of different doses of SPLAT Verb (3g, 5g, 7g verbenone/tree) in protecting individual lodgepoles against MPB compared to the standard verbenone pouch and against untreated control trees. Each tree received MPB bait. SPLAT Verb was either comparable to or outperformed verbenone pouches (7g verbenone/tree) in both colonization and mortality by MPB attacks. In fact, SPLAT insured survival of 100% of the trees to which it was applied, even at a dose less than the recommended dose of 70g/tree and prevented colonization in 90% of the treated trees.

  

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• Progar et al. 2021 Single Tree Protection - Dose Response - Whitebark Pines (see graph below): A published research trial in 2021 evaluated the efficacy of different dosages of SPLAT Verb (50g, 70g, 140g verbenone/tree) in protecting whitebark pines against MPB, compared to a standard verbenone pouch (14g verbenone) and untreated controls over a two-year period. Each tree also recieved MPB bait. SPLAT Verb was comperable to verbenone pouches in both colonization and mortality by MPB attacks with 100% survival, even with less than half of the active ingredient.
  
  The 14g pouch actually contains twice the active verbenone that the ISCA pouch contains, and it still could not protect better than the 70g verbenone of SPLAT Verb.

  

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It is very difficult to find current studies using verbenone on southern pine beetles. Most were produced before verbenone was widely used or even approved for use.

Operational Success of Verbenone Against the Southern Pine Beetle: This study concluded that treatment with Verbenone had a high efficacy rate against SPB when used in a strong program of forest management.

• Results showed that Treatment with (S)-Verbenone at 8 ml per tree in combination with felling all freshly attacked trees worked best to control the onslaught of SPB.
• Spot growth in all five tested infestations treated with this application was completely halted with few or no additional trees being attacked.
• Read the study here

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In a Journal of Forestry article entitled, "A Scentsible Approach to Controlling Southern Pine Beetles: Two New Tactics Using Verbenone", results of an early study using systhetic beetle pheromones for controlling southern pine beetle infestations - verbenone - were introduced.

• The techniques, verbenone-only and verbenone-plus-felling, reduce tree loss by disrupting infestation growth. In three years of field tests, the verbenone-only tactic completely suppressed 69 percent of the treated infestations, and the verbenone-plus-felling tactic suppressed 86 percent. The tactics provide much-needed alternatives to current control techniques and will allow suppression of infestations where tree felling is restricted or prohibited.
• Read the study Here

Verbenone pouches and SPLAT Verbenone have been used by the Forest Service, municipalities and small towns, neighborhood associations, and private individuals for over a decade to protect high-value pine trees from mountain pine beetles. Both use verbenone pheromone, which is non-toxic and natural, and both target only the insects killing your trees while leaving beneficial insects, people, pets, and wildlife unharmed. The difference is how they are applied: pouches hang on the trunk, while SPLAT is a paste applied in dollops.

Studies in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Colorado have shown verbenone repelling beetle attacks for up to 100 days per application. More recent studies have found SPLAT Verbenone paste up to 100% effective at repelling mountain pine beetles. See Verbenone Studies for details, or read the brief on the USDA SPLAT studies.

The best pine beetle treatments are also the most economical. We have discounted our pricing to make treatment less expensive than the toxic sprays some homeowners still use, which can harm birds and wildlife.

ISCA (formerly Contech/Scotts) Verbenone.

Active Ingredient 4,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo (3.1.1) hept-2-en-2-one*	95.46%
Other Ingredients	4.4%
Total	100%

*Each dispenser contains 7 grams of verbenone in each pouch and is equivalent to 6.76 grams of pheromone.
EPA Reg No: 80286-33
EPA Establishment No: 80286-CA-004
EPA Signal Word: CAUTION / PRECAUCION Keep out of reach of children
Note: The ISCA Mountain Pine Beetle Repellent Pouches are only available for purchase in Canada and the following States in the US: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

Storage: Store in the original sealed storage bag in a cold, dry place. Store below 32°F or as cold as possible.

ISCA Splat Verb.

Active Ingredient 4,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo (3.1.1) hept-3-en-2-one*	10%
Other Ingredients	90%
Total	100%

*Each dispenser contains 75 grams of verbenone in paste and is equivalent to 7.5 grams of pheromone (AI) Active Ingredient per tree for 10 trees. 0ne to two tubes per acre.
EPA Reg No: 80286-20
EPA Establishment No: 80286-CA-004
EPA Signal Word: CAUTION / PRECAUCION Keep out of reach of children
Note: The SPLAT Mountain Pine Beetle Repellent is available for use in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Washington Wyoming and California

Storage: Store in unopened tube in a cold, dry place. Do not freeze. Store between 39-46°F. Do not exceed 75°F for long-term storage. Do not apply below 55°F or above 95°F.

Active Ingredient 4,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo (3.1.1) hept-3-en-2-one*	91.49%
Other Ingredients	8.51%
Total	100%

*Each dispenser contains 6.75 grams of verbenone in each pouch and is equivalent to 6.18 grams of pheromone.
2 pouches per tree.
EPA Reg No: 73813-2
EPA Establishment No: 73813-CR-1
EPA Signal Word: CAUTION / PRECAUCION

Active Ingredient 4,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo (3.1.1) hept-3-en-2-one*	97.0%
Other Ingredients	3.0%
Total	100%

*Each dispenser contains 5.88 grams of verbenone in each pouch and is equivalent to 5.71 grams of pheromone.
1 or 2 Verbenone pouch on each tree depending on risk of attack and size of tree
EPA Signal Word: CAUTION / PRECAUCION

Synergy Semiochemicals Repellent Bubble Cap.

Active Ingredient Verbenone, 4,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo(3.1.1) hept-3-en-2-one

94.0%

Application Rate Range: 2 to 6 /tree, 120 per acre
8730-83 (associated with Synergy Shield products).
EPA Signal Word: CAUTION / PRECAUCION

Loblolly pines (the most prolific species of pine in the United States) and other southern pines suffer from attacks of the southern pine beetle.

The loblolly pine grows to a height of 60–90' and a spread of 25–35' at maturity

Loblolly is one of the most challenging trees to treat because it grows so prolifically, so thick, and in such dense old growths that it is hard to get into the heart of a forest to treat the interior trees.

The Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) infests and kills Loblolly pines throughout most of its range in Southern and Eastern United States from middle Texas East across the deep south, up and through Kentucky, West Virginia, the Carolinas and down through Florida. It will also infest shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.), pond pine (P. serotina Michx.), Pitch, and Virginia pine (P. virginiana Mill.) (Thatcher and Barry 1982).

Southern Pine Beetles generally have a short life cycle, making suppressing them difficult - especially in the southern-most states. They start to fly very early in the spring (correlated with the flowering of the Dogwood tree in Florida and Texas). In the Gulf Coast region, what we know about the reproductive potential and seasonal habits of the SPB clearly suggests that, to reduce beetle populations, direct control should be applied during the winter to be in place and ready when they reach peak flight in late winter and early Spring.

Verbenone Application dates will vary with latitude and climate but are typically started before the ambient average temperature consistently exceeds 75° F. SPB attacks certainly begin by very early spring and can occur well into autumn; as many as eight generations can occur in one season. Each successive generation attacks nearby live trees. As a result beetle attack resembles an advancing front, much like an army on the attack.

Continuous high daily temperatures in excess of 95o F may kill broods. But prompt suppression is the key to reducing tree loss (including cutting and removing or burning currently-infested trees and thinning stands to increase tree vigor to fight the attack). Protection needs to be maintained as more broods become mature throughout the months.

In the Coastal South where temperatures are mild, flights recur several times, and re-treatment is required. Spots may remain active throughout the year. SPB can emerge and attack in Dec, Jan, and February in large part undetected because new infestations in the Gulf Coast Regions during the fall, winter, and early Spring are difficult to detect due to inclement weather or wet ground conditions. Consequently, as many as 3-4 consecutive beetle generations may effectively escape control during the very season when the attack:emergence ratio of the insect is at its highest.

Control during the winter is less problematic in the northern part of the beetle’s range (Tennessee, the Carolinas, Virginia and north). Cold winters tend to restrict beetles to the multiple-tree spots they occupied during the fall; this fact simplifies winter detection. Since the beetles complete only three to five generations per year in this area, overwintering broods seldom emerge before late April or May.

Newly hatched adults leave the tree of their metamorphosis, seeking out larger trees in the surrounding area.

When the adults arrive at their tree of choice, they begin tunnelling under the bark. Soon after initial attack, females emit an aggregation pheromone (frontalin), which attracts males and more females to the tree. This pheromone, in conjunction with host odors stemming from resin exudation at attack points, attracts more SPB to the tree. Verbenone is a pheromone produced essentially by males to deter more beetles from their prized tree. And at high concentrations verbenone can inhibit landing and cause beetles to switch attacks to adjacent pines.

Resin under pressure within the tree can successfully force out or "pitch out" beetles if there are only a few beetles and the tree is relatively healthy and well-watered. (see Pitch Tubes in the image left) However, droubht and mass-attacking SPBs deplete the resin production capabilities of the tree causing resin flow to cease, after which point the beetle can easily enter the tree.

Females lay fertilized eggs. The bad news is that Parent adults may then re-emerge from the tree one to 20 days following depositing the eggs and proceed to attack the same tree or another (Thatcher et al. 1980). The original eggs, which turn to larvae, develop to produce more egg-laying adults to attack more trees. Additionally, the hatched larvae feed under the bark in the phloem layer, introducing fungi, yeasts, and other organisms that lead to tree death. see See this entomology report from the University of Florida

The Southern Pine Beetle presents more challenge than Mountain Pine beetles or Fir Beetles due to its general geographic location in milder southern climates.

Spots may remain active throughout the year in the lower Gulf Coast. Each successive generation attacks nearby live trees. It is estimated that one infested tree will kill at least two and possibly more trees, and each generation adds to the mortality. Thus the exponential devastation occurs.

Quick Guide to Signs of Southern Pine Beetle Attack

• Red or yellow boring dust in bark crevices or at base of tree
• Popcorn-like Pitch tube (see image left)
• Presence of clear shot-like holes (like bee-bee holes) on the exterior bark surfaces where SPBs have emerged
• Foliage is dis-colored. Crowns of dying pines change color from green to yellow to red before turning brown and falling from the tree. (Beetles have probably already left.)

As always, the best defence against Southern Pine Beetle is a healthy stand of trees that are able to defend against attack. Proper spacing, basal area, water and removal of brood trees and unhealthy trees are all very important.

It is also important to remove and properly dispose of infested trees and slash prior to trying to deter beetle populations from attacking good trees in the stand.

Dense stands of large Loblolly trees are at highest risk of attack There has been some research into direct control using the anti-aggregation pheromone Verbenone, which disrupts beetle aggregation in Mountain Pine Beetles. According to the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, in Louisiana, "disruptant semiochemicals, primarily verbenone, have shown some promise for spot disruption, but they are not used operationally".

If using Verbenone to suppress SPB attack, it seems to be of importance to treat the trees that are on the forefront of the attack (the leading spear that points the direction the infestatino is moving), making a concetrated effort to protect an area IN FRONT of the direction of movement. )

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It is not the actual Pine Beetle that kills your tree. The Beetle vectors several pathogenic fungi which facilitate successful colonization and tree mortality. There are no survivors from a successful attack. When a beetle-attacked tree is cut down, you can usually see the blue stain fungus that has colonized the tree (introduced by the beetle). It is the fungus that kills the tree. As there is no cure for the fungi, we must deter the beetles.

Beetles and other insects communicate using pheromones. Verbenone - a synthetic pheromone - replicates the beetle pheromone of the Mountain Pine Beetle, sending a message that the tree is full and that the food supply is insufficient for additional beetles. Arriving beetles receive the "message" that they should look elsewhere for a suitable host.

Verbenone helps control:

• Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendractonus ponderosae)
• Pine Engraver - Ips pini (only partially successful)
• Northern Spruce Engraver - Ips perturbatus (only partially successful)
• California Five-spined Ips - Ips paraconfusus (only partially successful)
• Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis)(only partially successful)
• Western Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomus)(only partially successful)

And can be used on:

• Lodgepole Pine
• Ponderosa Pine
• Whitebark Pine
• Western White Pine
• Southwestern White Pine
• Pinyon Pine
• Limber Pine
• Loblolly Pine
• and other susceptible pine species.

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It is very difficult to find current studies using verbenone on southern pine beetles. Most were produced before verbenone was widely used or even approved for use.

"Operational Success of Verbenone Against the Southern Pine Beetle":
This study concluded that treatment with Verbenone had a high efficacy rate against SPB when used in a strong program of forest management.

• Results showed that Treatment with (S)-Verbenone at 8 ml per tree in combination with felling all freshly attacked trees worked best to control the onslaught of SPB.
• Spot growth in all five tested infestations treated with this application was completely halted with few or no additional trees being attacked.
• Read the study here

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In a Journal of Forestry article entitled, "A Scentsible Approach to Controlling Southern Pine Beetles: Two New Tactics Using Verbenone", results of an early study using systhetic beetle pheromones for controlling southern pine beetle infestations - verbenone - were introduced.

• The techniques, verbenone-only and verbenone-plus-felling, reduce tree loss by disrupting infestation growth. In three years of field tests, the verbenone-only tactic completely suppressed 69 percent of the treated infestations, and the verbenone-plus-felling tactic suppressed 86 percent. The tactics provide much-needed alternatives to current control techniques and will allow suppression of infestations where tree felling is restricted or prohibited.
• Read the study Here

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Verbenone is environmentally safe and non-toxic to humans, pets, birds, and even the beetles themselves. Registered by EPA and most Rocky Mountain States. All pheromones in controlled release dispensers are approved organic by USDA/NOP. It is user and Eco-Friendly. Unlike the insecticides approved for Pine Beetle control,Verbenone does not kill bees, beneficial insects, aquatic organisms. The EPA classifies it as CAUTION, which is indicative of needing the lowest level of concern in regards to insecticides. Not restricted use. (Always follow label instructions.)

There has been some research into direct control of SPB using the anti-aggregation pheromone Verbenone, which disrupts beetle aggregation in Mountain Pine Beetles. According to the USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, in Louisiana, "disruptant semiochemicals, primarily verbenone, have shown some promise for spot disruption, but they are not used operationally".

If using Verbenone to suppress SPB attack, it seems to be of importance to treat the trees that are on the forefront of the attack (the leading spear that points the direction the infestation is moving), making a concentrated effort to protect an area IN FRONT of the direction of movement. While an area of red trees shows the "spot" that is infested, the trees that are most recently infested (yellow) are on the front of the attack. Trees immediately in front of the "yellow spear tip" should be treated as a barrier to further advance.

Of course, as stated earlier, salvage and burning of infested trees is also of paramount importance for reducing tree mortality.

Generally speaking, in most Gulf Coast states, treatment should begin in February, again in May, then again in August to last through November.

Verbenone is prescribed as part of a multi-faceted approach to pine beetle management. No single treatment can totally prevent attacks. Additionally, preventative measures will need to be repeated as often as the life cycle of the particular beetle in the particular habitat you are treating.

Please talk with your local forest service or department of agriculture before embarking on a program of Verbenone to repel SPB.

Studies have shown that during epidemic conditions, the pressure from beetle populations who must go somewhere (even if conditions are not optimum for them) may reduce the effectiveness of all treatments. Given the "find a tree of any size or perish" imperative that emerging pine beetles face, they may habituate to both chemicals and pheromones. However, we still have a few years to work on the problem in areas that are not yet overrun. That time may give just the breather necessary to let nature begin to draw back the danger or for other management techniques to take hold.

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Verbenone pouches ship to Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

We cannot ship pouches to California. If you are in California, order SPLAT Verbenone — same active ingredient and effect, different application method.

SPLAT Verbenone ships to the same states plus California.

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Yes. Verbenone works best as part of a multi-year integrated pest management program, not as a standalone cure. If your trees already have pine beetles, nothing practical can be done to save them: the infested trees must be taken down and burned or chipped before the larvae inside hatch and fly. Colorado State University Extension estimates that one infested tree will kill at least two and possibly more trees if it is not neutralized in time. Prevention of mountain pine beetle, Douglas-fir beetle, or spruce beetle attack is the only option going forward.

• Remove as many beetle-infested trees as possible before the beetles emerge.
• Remove green attack — trees carrying larvae that are not dead yet. This is the step most people skip, and it decides whether the rest works.
• Dispose of infested wood by burning or chipping.
• Thin to keep basal area under roughly 100 sq ft per acre.
• Water deeply and regularly, and watch for rusted tops (late September) and white pitch-outs.
• Treat again every year to prevent reinfestation.

The product is most effective where less than 15% of mature pines are currently under attack.