Pine Shoot Beetle Survey

Since the introduction and subsequent establishment of Tomicus piniperda, Pine Shoot Beetle, in states immediately north of Kentucky we have become concerned about the possible introduction of these foreign bark beetles. The state of Kentucky has six barge terminals that receive foreign dunnage along with a major international airport that receives cargo from Europe on a daily basis. Scolytids are routinely intercepted at Cincinnati Airport from pallets, dunnage, or crating sometimes on a monthly basis. These are significant interceptions that require treatment of the commodity. Over the past few years, pine shoot beetle has been spreading steadily southward toward Kentucky from Ohio and Indiana. According to NAPIS, it is considered to be established in Hamilton County, Ohio and Switzerland and Dearborn Counties, Indiana, all of which directly border Kentucky. Kentucky’s state record for pine shoot beetle occurred in 2015 when 2 beetles were captured in Kenton County in northern Kentucky. In 2016, 1 beetle was captured in Kenton County and 1 was captured in Lewis County. The 2018 survey is currently underway as of the writing of this workplan.