Relatively new, pheromone products now play an important role in creating a successful integrated Pine Beetle management strategy. Pheromones are chemicals or "scents" naturally emitted by beetles to communicate with or affect the behavior of other beetles.

These "scents" have been scientifically identified and replicated and can be used to successfully modify or change beetle behavior.

Most pheromones have very targeted uses and are only effective in controling a specific targeted pest therefore minimizing the adverse affects to other forms of wildlife and benificial organisms. "Broad Spectrum" controls like spraying are also effective in controling the targeted pest but may also endanger benificial insects or endanger the environment if improperly applied.

For the control of bark beetles, pheromones can be broken into two families:

Repellant's - These pheromones mimic a scent used by beetles when they have successfully colonized a tree. In essence this scent says "Don't stop here, move along to another tree". Verbenone is an example of a successful pheromone used as a repellant specific to Mountain Pine beetle and MCH is quite successful as a pheromone repellant for Douglas-fir and Spruce beetles.

Attractant's - These pheromones act to attract or aggragate beetles. Beetles use these scents when first attempting to colonize a tree and for finding a mate. Pheromone attractants are used as baits in traps.

Pheromones can be quite an effective tool for riparian zones, play areas and other pesticide or chemically sensitive situations unsuited to traditional Mountain Pine, Douglas-fir or other bark beetle treatments.

Pheromones are environmentally friendly and are non-toxic to humans and wildlife.

We at Horizon Forestry believe that pheromones can and do have an important role in an integrated beetle management strategy. We work hand in hand with leaders in the pheromone industry like Contech to provide the very latest research and best results for our clients.