Ips Beetles

Ips Beetles Information Sheet / Información sobre los Ips Beetles (escarabajos) [PDF] >>

Why is this important?

  • Trees provide essential ecosystem and economic benefits such as energy cost savings, storm water absorption, and carbon sequestration.
  • Dying and dead trees are a huge fire risk.
  • Infected trees threaten other trees and could devastate our urban canopy if left unmitigated.
  • Minimizing infections can help to minimize costs for treatment and prevent spread.
  • This issue will likely persist as the effects of climate change worsen.

Symptoms of Ips Beetle Infestation

  • Yellowish- or reddish-brown dust accumulating in bark crevices or around the base of the tree
  • Tree discoloration (“fade”); dieback at the top of the tree
  • Woodpeckers feeding on the trunk or larger branches (they’re a common predator of the Ips beetle) 
  • Small round holes in the bark. You’ll usually see these after the beetles have already done their damage and exited the tree.
  1. Heather Listermann

    Downtown Parks & Public Spaces Supervisor
    Phone: 970-384-6367