Southern pine beetle (SPB) is one of the most destructive insects in the southern United States. Although SPB outbreaks have recently declined, significant outbreaks are expected in the next few years as drought and other environmental stresses continue to weaken host species across the South. Preferred hosts are shortleaf, loblolly, Virginia, and pitch pines.

As part of the Forest Service's SPB Prevention and Restoration Program administered by Forest Health Protection, SPB hazard maps were developed by the Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team (FHTET) to identify areas with potential for experiencing significant SPB activity. The regional SPB hazard map, which is a compilation of eight models run across 15 broad ecological zones, includes the Southern Region (Region 8) of the Forest Service, five mid-Atlantic states, and the District of Columbia.

Visit the FHTET website to learn more about the SPB hazard maps and other products. For additional information, please contact John Nowak, SPB Program Coordinator, at jnowak@fs.fed.us or (828) 257-4326.

Southern pine beetle damage at Upper Island Wilderness Area in Angelina, Texas, three years after outbreak - Photo by Ronald Billings, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org