Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which insects commonly attack pine trees?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
pine
A stand of stone pines (Pinus pinea) in Doñana National Park near Seville, Spain.
Pine trees are subject to attack by a variety of insects that can affect their growth, health, and survival. Some of the most significant pests include:
- Bark Beetles: Species such as Dendroctonus and Ips are among the most destructive. They bore into the tree and feed just beneath the bark, creating channels that disrupt nutrient flow and often kill the tree.1
- Pine Weevils: The white pine weevil (Pissodes strobi) is a notable pest in North America that targets the central growth shoot of white pine trees, causing trunk deformities.2
- Moths: The pine looper moth is known for causing defoliation, while the pine pest (Dioryctria zimmermani) is a moth whose larvae bore into trees, causing pitch exudation.13
- Borers: Various insect larvae, including those from the beetle families Cerambycidae and Buprestidae, as well as larval horntails, are referred to as pine borers because they bore into pine timber.4
- Aphids: These minute insects have been known to impact the cultivation of certain conifers, such as the white pine (Pinus strobus).1