White Foam at Pine Tree Base After Storm: Likely Ambrosia Beetle Dust

A sudden pile of white foam at the base of a large pine after heavy rain is likely sawdust from ambrosia beetles, washed down the trunk by rain. These beetles bore into stressed trees, pushing out fine, white frass.

What to Check

• Look for a ring of white dust on the ground after the area dries.
• Inspect trunk for small, round entry holes (~1 mm).
• Check for sawdust “toothpicks” protruding from bark.

Next Steps

Contact the Georgia Forestry Commission for a forester visit. Ambrosia beetles attack stressed trees—address drought, compaction, or root damage. Heavily infested trees may need removal.