BARKBEETLE - These are black or brown, cylindrically shaped beetles which burrow under the bark and are particularly prevalent in conifers. Fungus develops in the tunnels and the holes where beetles have emerged. Bark may fall off and branches die.

Treatment involves removing and destroying infected branches, enriching the soil with phosphorus and potassium and spraying with lindane and Parathion based insecticide in spring to kill beetles and at the end of winter to destroy larvae.