Control Options

Preventive Spraying

To prevent mountain pine beetle infestation, healthy high-value trees may be treated through mid-July.

Treating Infested Trees

Treat only the trees that are currently infested; dead timber from the previous summer does not harbor the beetle.

Option 1 - Solar (Timing: by May 15)

1. Cut infested trees.
2. Remove and scatter limbs.
3. Cut trunk into four-foot lengths (or less).
4. Stack logs no more than two high in a location that will get a full day's sun.
5. Rotate logs every 30 days to allow all sides to be heated.

Option 2 - Solar With Plastic (Timing: by June 15)

1. Cut infested trees.
2. Remove and scatter limbs.
3. Cut trunk into four-foot lengths (or less).
4. Stack logs no more than two high in a location that will get a full day's sun.
5. Cover with clear plastic at least six mil thick.
6. Dig a trench around the stack of logs.
7. Bury the edge of the tarp with soil.
8. Leave plastic in place for at least three months.

Option 3 - Debarking (Timing: by July 15)

1. Cut infested trees.
2. Remove and scatter limbs.
3. Remove the bark using chainsaw attachment, draw knife, ax, etc. It may be easier if the trees are felled and allowed to age for a short time.