Top 10 Tips for mountain pine beetle prevention.

1.Remove infected trees.

In green trees look for popcorn pitch tubes on the tree and boring dust at the base of the tree.

2.Water your trees.

If there has not been rain, drip water your trees weekly. Your water rights may not allow this. We offer a watering service.

3.Use pheromones to prevent new beetles from entering your property.

The proper application of pheromones will help prevent new beetle attacks.

4.Use a State licensed and experienced Sprayer when considering using pesticides.

Spraying your trees introduces chemicals to our forests that might harm the surrounding environment. Talk to all your neighbors and make sure this important decision is one you all can live with. Experts recommend you Do Not spray more than 15 trees per acre.

5.Get your neighbors involved.

Research shows more success in larger areas of prevention.

6.Thin your forest.

Reduce the density of your trees over multiple years. Avoid blow-down and tree snap.

7.Do not cut trees near or during beetle flight season unless they are infected.

Fresh sap is an attractant to the beetles.

8.Pick up your branches.

Tree limbs left on the ground or piled up allow the deadly IPS beetle to thrive in our county.

9.Plant stands of trees of different types and varieties.

Research shows having multiple stands and varieties of trees will help control future attacks.

10.Share your success.

Let your local forester and help organizations (like GCCI.us) know what you use and how it is working so they may be better able to track progress and help others prevent infestations in the future.