Monitoring for spruce beetle activity is important in both forest settings and for landscape and ornamental trees. Monitoring can be done any time of year but late summer and early fall (approximately August to October) allows you to assess current year attacks and plan for management activities for the following spring, if warranted.
For individual trees in yards and landscapes regularly inspect the trunks of trees for signs and symptoms of spruce beetle attack. You can review the signs and symptoms of spruce beetle in the Identification section of this website. In urban landscapes also be aware of what is happening to trees near your property – browning spruce in your neighborhood could indicate that spruce beetles are active in your area.
For larger forest settings, monitor for spruce beetle by inspecting a subset of trees in the area. These may be along an established walking path or you may choose specific trees in individual areas as representatives to monitor. Monitor trees spread out over the area to give the best idea of the overall spruce beetle situation for the property. Locations adjacent to known beetle infestations or areas where trees have been cut or damaged by wind or fire can also be good places to start.