How can I tell if my trees have had an insect attack?

There are different signs and symptoms for each tree species. The following example shows the effect on Pine Trees.

   
 PITCH TUBES

The pitch tubes are conical eruptions from the bark of the tree, typically less than one inch in diameter. The appearance of the pitch tube tells whether the tree or the beetle was successful in the attack.
A white pitch tube means success to the tree, the beetle was "pitched out".

***SUCCESSFUL BARK BEETLE ATTACK*** 
Tree under stress and likely to succumb to mortality

***UNSUCCESSFUL BARK BEETLE ATTACK*** 
A healthy tree able to protect itself against bark beetles while conditions are favorable

Documents to help you understand:

Tree mortality, what you can do about bark beetles and seasonal actions to manage your trees.

Forest Steward California Forest Stewardship Program's Summer 2016 issue (PDF) 

How to identify bark beetles, determining your trees susceptibility, treatment and prevention. 

Bark Beetles in California Conifers – Are Your Trees Susceptible? (PDF) 

Bark beetles and dead trees: CAL FIRE's Public education campaign

Using Insecticides to Protect Individual Pine Trees from Bark Beetle Attack in California: USFS Region 5 Pesticide Use Brochure

More Information:

Tree mortality map:

See the current state of tree mortality in our area. Input your address and see what is happening in your neighborhood. Tree Mortality Map

Help us map specific locations of tree mortality location in Plumas County:

Plumas Sierra Tree Mortality page (coming soon)

Tree Mortality and Homeowners Insurance

Frequently asked questions for homeowners living in forested areas (PDF) 

Tree Mortality Task Force Information
Statewide and Local Information