Jeffco is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Follow this link to the sheriff's office page for more information.

 

Mountain Pine Beetle

Mountain Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) are bark beetles native to Colorado that will infest pine trees. MPB is always present in our forest at some level; we tend to notice them when they increase in number and begin killing trees.

What to look for...

Dying ponderosa pine tree on Genesee Open Space. This tree exhibited needle death suddenly.
Pitch tubes are the tree trying to push out the beetle using pitch
Frass (looks like sawdust) is an indication of beetles recently boring into the tree
Galleries in the wood (under the bark) of the pine tree made by adult beetles and their offspring.

What to do if you find MPB in your tree...

If you find a tree with indications of significant beetle infestation such as many pitch tubes or frass, it should be removed. Removal should include all of the tree material. To prevent the spread of beetle, the tree should be taken offsite and treated properly. Proper treatment includes whole tree chipping, burning, debarking, or disposal in an area free from other pine trees such as an urban dump site. 

A tree that has MPB infestation cannot be saved. it should be removed to prevent further spread. 

Blue stain is a fungus carried by the beetle. The blue stain spreads and can kill the tree.

 

Preventative Measures

  • Hire a certified arborist to preventatively spray non-infested tree. Genesee Foundation does not maintain a list of recommended arborist companies but most local companies will offer this service.
  • Maintain a healthy forest density. Generally, Colorado’s forests are unhealthy & overly dense and need to be managed to a lower density to promote resilience. 
  • Post Verbenone packets onto non-infested trees

VERBENONE PACKETS

Each year, Genesee Foundation purchases verbenone pouches in bulk to post on Open Space and to make available for residents to purchase. 

In 2026, Genesee Foundation will purchase packets from www.forestrydistributing.com. 

These will be available for residents to purchase in May; residents will get reminders via the weekly e-blast when the pouches arrive.

Packets should be posted on pine trees no later than mid-June in order for the pheromone to have an effect for the bulk of the beetle flight.

Please review this Verbenone FAQ sheet from the Colorado State Forest Service

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