Needleminers Attacking Jeffrey Pines on Pioneer Trail

If you've noticed that the Jeffrey Pines near the intersection of Highway 50 and Pioneer appear to be dying, you may rest assured there is no immediate cause for concern.

The yellowing of the pine needles is caused by the needleminer, a native insect species that feeds on the needs of pine trees.

Jeffrey Pine needleminers eat their way through the middle of the needle, causing the needle to die and turn yellow or, in extreme cases, red. Trees can appear to have red halos because the needleminer primarily targets the tips of the needles. Only when all the needles on an infested tree turn red does it mean the tree has died. Although the trees look as though they are severely damaged, more often than not they will recover once there is a reduction in the needleminer population. There is a natural bio-control agent that keeps the needleminers in check.

The drought has made the pines more susceptible to the insects. One danger of an infestation is when the trees loose strength it is harder for them to fight off other harmful pests such as the bark beetle.