Southern Pine Beetle Information Center
Welcome to the Southern Pine Beetle Information Center. The southern pine beetle (SPB) is a pest of pine trees most commonly associated with the southern United States. More information about this insect’s native range, biology, and preferred hosts can be found in the Publications section.
Historical Data
SPB is considered a pulse eruptive insect herbivore that often causes significant ecological and economic damage during outbreak years. There have been frequent, severe, and widespread SPB outbreaks in the last half of the 20th century throughout the Southeast, however, recent SPB activity has been localized and short-lived – see the Historical Data section for a better understanding of SPB population fluctuations.
SPB Prediction
Each year SPB populations are monitored through a spring trapping system and the trapping results are used to better predict areas where outbreaks may occur during the upcoming months.
Current Outbreak Status
Current outbreak status for the current year in the Southern U.S. and Around the Globe are also available.
SPB Prevention
SPB outbreaks are best managed through forest management activities that reduce individual tree stress and improve the overall forest structure. These activities, such as thinning, prescribed fire, and planting less susceptible tree species, are described on the SPB prevention tab.
Local Contacts
More local information about SPB can also be obtained through the USDA Forest Service or State Forest Health Specialists – see contacts.
Latest Publications
What is an associate? A systematic review of predators, parasitoids, competitors, symbionts, and hangers-on in the southern pine beetle community
Abstract The arthropods and microbes found in trees attacked by the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann) have long been referred to as “southern pine beetle associates.” This community includes predators, parasitoids, competitors, mutualists,...
Assessing the Threat of Southern Pine Beetle to Pitch Pine in Acadia National Park
Abstract Many of the mountain summits of Acadia National Park (ACAD) are dominated by Pinus rigida (Pitch Pine). The ACAD Pitch Pine population is particularly valuable due to its position at the northernmost edge of the species' range, its association with unique...
Send Us Your Publications
If you have a publication you’d like to submit please email info@southernpinebeetle.org.