Cold snap likely killing mountain pipe beetle in central Alberta – but not all of them

By Mamta Lulla
The Red Deer Advocate
February 12, 2019
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

…As the bitter cold is getting to central Albertans, it is also likely getting to the invasive, tree-killing mountain pine beetles. Ken Fry, an Olds College instructor at the School of Animal Science and Horticulture, said the deep freeze has an impact on the insect, but not a significant one. This means the cold will kill off some beetles, but it won’t eradicate them. The creatures were found in forests just outside Rocky Mountain House last year. They were also discovered in Clearwater County in traps set by the Sundre branch of the West Fraser logging company. …Tom Daniels, Sundre forestry superintendent for West Fraser.. said the slow progression buys more time, which is good news.

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