TREATMENT OPTIONS:

• Solar treatment: Fell infested trees, limb and cut into manageable lengths. Arrange the logs in a single layer on an exposed (sunny) area, preferably with southern exposure. Turn logs every 4 weeks until all sides have been exposed. (It’s helpful to mark the ends of the logs to keep track of the side exposed.) This process usually takes 3-4 months so it must be started by mid April to work effectively. If adequate sun is not available on your property you should use plastic.
• Solar treatment with plastic: Fell and limb infested trees as above. Soak logs with a hose or allow snow to accumulate on them. Soaking logs with water helps increase the humidity and temperature (creating a greenhouse effect) and also encourages the growth of fungus and bacteria detrimental to the beetle’s survival. Cover the logs with 6mm thick plastic and seal the edges with a layer of soil, rocks, ect. Periodically repair tears with duct tape and ensure all edges remain sealed. The objective is to raise the under-bark temperature and kill the beetles. This process requires good sun and a minimum of 2 months or more. Treatment should be started by May 1^st.
• Debark: Fell the infected tree and peel off the bark. This strips away the beetles’ protective shelter and exposes them to the natural elements.
• Chip: Colorado State Forest Service has information on chipping contractors. Large diameter wood is difficult to chip; many chippers will not accept.
• Burn the infested wood: Fell the infected tree, cut into firewood lengths, and burn before the beetles fly in July. One green log burned with two seasoned logs will give a good, clean burn.
• Haul to a "safe" site: Take infected wood to a site that is at least one mile from all susceptible trees (pine), including landscape varieties within the city limits.
• Bury: Be sure to cover the logs with at least 8 inches of soil. (This method is most effective with a bulldozer.)

Successfully attacked trees will eventually die, even though their needles may remain green until spring or summer.

Note: the beetle flight period is July 15 – Sept. 15. All treatment options should be completed by July 1^st. If there is known MPB activity in your area, limit or postpone all cutting and pruning activity during this time as fresh cut wood attracts MPB. Cutting during this time is possible if the slash generated is treated immediately of stacked in a dry sunny area.

Please contact the CSFS Boulder District at 303-823-5774 for a MPB information packet or visit our website http://csfs.colostate.edu/.