Help withDying pine tress

[dstaples at livingston.net]

Kim Anderson wrote:
> 
> I have had 7 of my pine trees die in the last 2 years. It appears that
> there is some insect that looks like a wasp that is all black that
> bores into the tree and cause a lot of pitch to flow down the bark.
> Sometimes the spot is 6" by 3 feet.  These trees are in northern
> California.  Could these be pine beetles?  Is there anything I can do
> to save the other pine trees near them?
> 
> TIA
> 
> Kim
Not familiar with northern California insects, but, our souther pine
beetles are themselves attacked by a wasp that parasitizes them.  I
suspect you may be seeing the parasite.  Check with state forestry or
extension service, have a forester look at the trees for a reason and a
treatment.