Pine Pitch Moth

The pitch moth, Dioryctria tumicolella is an important pest of pines in Kansas. The larvae girdle the trees weakening them to the point they may break off during high winds. The insect is known to occur in Northwest and Southeast Kansas. The infestation in Southeast Kansas cannot be controlled because the moth also occurs across the border in Missouri and Oklahoma.

Broken branches resulting from pitch moth infestation

The pitch moths in Northwest Kansas are more limited in distribution and with large areas around the infestation free of pitch moths. For several years there has been an eradication program in Northwest Kansas. The area of infestation has been reduced from infestations found in four counties to a population at the golf course in Goodland and to three shelterbelts in Sherman county. The Department of Agriculture has been working with the golf course and the property owners on these infestations. Pheromones to detect moth flight coupled with insecticidal sprays at the appropriate time are currently being used to eliminate this pest from Northwest Kansas.

Pitch masses at site of Pitch Moth larval boring