Mountain pine beetles (MPB) attack and kill mature pine trees (roughly 80 years and older). Alberta has four native species of pine - lodgepole, jack, limber and whitebark – all of which are all vulnerable to infestation by beetles.

TheThe County carries a product called Verbenone, used in spot applications to help prevent beetles from attacking valued trees. Verbenone pouches can be attached to specific high value trees chosen to be protected. Verbenone is an anti-aggregation pheromone, specific to MPB, used to prevent attacks on healthy pine trees. It is not a pesticide, but a naturally occurring chemical that mimics a heavily infested tree. Consequently, beetles may avoid attacking trees treated with this chemical.

Purchase Verbenone from the County

Verbenone pouches are available for purchase from the County throughout April/May, 2022 while supplies last. Small pouches of Beetle Block Verbenone can protect mature pine trees from attack by mountain pine beetles.

• $10 per pouch, payable by credit card in advance.

• Typically, one pouch is needed for single trees.

• For stands of multiple trees, pouches are placed every 10 to 15 meters throughout the stand of pine.

• The pouches should be hung up before the beetles emerge to look for new host trees. In our area the beetles generally emerge in early July and hanging the pouches in mid-June is recommended.

• For the best results, a fresh pouch should be placed on the tree part way through the season.

To consult with the County about verbenone, or to book a purchase, please contact Lac Ste. Anne County Horticulturist Lorraine Taylor at 780.785.3411 or ltaylor (@) LSAC.ca.

If MPBs are present in your trees, it is extremely important to initiate control action on infested trees before mid-June. Visit the Weed and Pest Control section of the County website for more mountain pine beetle mitigation information and resources.