Southern Pine Beetle Outbreak: No Risk to House Structure

Critical Fact

Southern pine beetles ONLY attack living pine trees. They feed on inner bark (cambium) and require tree moisture to complete their lifecycle.

Your House Is Safe

• Cedar siding: Not a host—wrong species, no moisture.
• Interior treated pine: Dry, processed wood—no cambium, no moisture.
• Dead beetles indoors: Accidental entry; they die quickly and cannot infest.

No Extermination Needed

Focus on forest management: remove infested pines promptly, thin stands to reduce stress, monitor for new attacks. Your home requires zero treatment.