Why are my Pine Trees Dying? The Bark Beetle Invasion

Customer of ours that as you can see on the left the Beetles started and they are moving right killing each tree as the go.

If you’ve noticed your pine trees turning brown, dropping needles, or dying suddenly, there’s a good chance bark beetles are to blame. These tiny but destructive insects have become one of the leading causes of pine tree decline across Florida and the Southeast — and once they infest, the damage happens fast.

What Are Bark Beetles?

Bark beetles are small, cylindrical insects (usually less than ¼ inch long) that bore into pine trees and lay their eggs inside. As the larvae hatch, they tunnel through the inner bark and disrupt the flow of water and nutrients. If enough beetles invade a tree, it dies — sometimes in a matter of weeks.

Signs of a Bark Beetle Infestation

Keep an eye out for:

• Pitch tubes: Small, popcorn-sized blobs of sap on the trunk — this is the tree trying to push the beetles out.

• Boring dust: Fine sawdust collecting in bark crevices or around the base of the tree.

• Needle discoloration: Needles may start turning reddish-brown from the top down.

• Woodpecker activity: Woodpeckers love beetle larvae. Heavy pecking can be a sign beetles are inside.

Why Now?

Several stressors can make your pines more vulnerable to bark beetles, including:

• Drought or overly wet soil

• Storm damage

• Overcrowding and lack of airflow

• Construction damage near root zones

Healthy pines can usually defend themselves with sap. But once stressed, they lose that ability — and beetles take full advantage.

Can My Trees Be Saved?

If caught early and only one or two trees are affected, there’s a chance nearby pines can be protected. However, there’s no reliable way to save a tree that’s already heavily infested.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Remove and dispose of dead or infested trees quickly. This prevents beetles from spreading to others.

2. Thin overcrowded areas. Give remaining trees space and airflow.

3. Mulch and water during dry periods. A little care goes a long way.

4. Call a professional. We can help identify beetle activity and recommend a treatment or removal plan.

Bottom Line

Bark beetles are devastating, but with early action and proper care, you can protect the rest of your pine trees. If you're seeing signs of decline, don’t wait — the faster we act, the better chance your landscape has to recover.