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. The close proximity of this pest to Kentucky highlights the need for surveys to prevent pine shoot beetle from becoming established in this state.