Insects & Disease
Douglas-fir beetle and mountain pine beetle are native insects that attack and may kill trees by girdling the sapwood under the bark. Although a natural phenomenon, bark beetle infestations can become epidemic, killing large patches of trees, as well as highly valued individual trees near homes. Pheromones (also known as bubble caps) can be attached to healthy trees, putting out a signal that the tree is already occupied and telling attacking beetles to “stay away.” We offer these pheromone packets at a reduced cost.
Bubble Caps
MCH for Douglas-fir: $30 per pack
Verbenone for ponderosa and lodgepole pine: $115 per pack
1 pack = 10 bubble caps
2025 Orders for bubble caps are now closed
SVC is a licensed pesticide dealer
This short documentary film tells the story of Professor Diana Six from the University of Montana and her work on the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae). This film was made with a team of scientists and filmmakers at the International Wildlife Film Festival Filmmaker Labs in Missoula, Montana and was screened at the festival.
Cedar-apple rust on a juniper.
Photo by Andrea DiNino
More information and resources on Forest Pest Management can be found on the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation’s website.