Ips beetles (engraver beetles) are small 1/8 to 3/8-inch, reddish-brown to black insects that tunnel under the bark of pine and spruce trees in the Denver area. Driven by prolonged drought, they threaten local urban trees and Colorado blue spruces. Infested trees cannot be cured and often require removal.
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- Reddish-brown boring dust in bark crevices or near the base.
- Needles fading or discoloring from the top down.
- Small round exit holes in the bark.
- Increased woodpecker activity on the trunk.
Management and Prevention
- Keep trees watered adequately during dry spells.
- Avoid creating fresh wood debris piles that attract beetles.
- Consult local certified professionals via resources like the Colorado State Forest Service or professional tree care providers for preventive spraying or removal options.
Spider Mites during this drought attack South facing fir trees mostly in the middle. There are sprays for those as well. They can destroy a tree in a few months.