Using Aggregation and Antiaggregation Pheromones of the Douglas-Fir Beetle to Produce Snags for Wildlife Habitat

Pheromone baits for the Douglas-fir beetle were applied alone and in combination with the antiaggregation pheromone, 3-methylcyclohex-2-en-1-one (MCH), to test potential treatments for creating snags to improve wildlife habitat. All baited trees were attacked by beetles following both treatments. However, more unbaited trees were attacked on plots without MCH than on plots with MCH. One year after treatment, more of the attacked trees were dead on plots without MCH than on plots with MCH. Bark beetle pheromones can be used effectively to create snags for improving wildlife habitat, but to achieve specific objectives treatments must be prescribed based on knowledge of the expected beetle population densities. West. J. Appl. For. 12(2):00-00.