Wednesday saw the confirmation of the presence of the southern pine beetle (SPB) in New York State by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) along with many state and federal agencies.

This is the very first case of the detection of SPB infestation in the state. It came to light when dead and dying pine trees were discovered in many areas. These include some parts of the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Henry's Hollow Pine Barren State Forest and the Connetquot River State Park in Long Island. All these years the Long Island Pine Barrens ensured critical environment, social and economic benefits to its residents and communities.

Officials are concerned that the presence of the destructive beetle is a serious threat to Long Island signature pitch pine resource. Joe Martens, the DEC Commissioner said, "We are hopeful we have discovered this insect's presence at an early stage and are committed to working with local, State and Federal partners to determine the extent of the infestation and minimize its spread and impacts".

SPB is considered as one of the most destructive forest pests in the whole of the US. It strikes all species of pine and it has been observed that recently it has expanded its range north and westward. Numbers show that since 2011, nearly 1,000 acres of pine forests in New Jersey have been destroyed because of this beetle.

The working mechanism of these beetles is such that they start from the bark and work their way until they reach the cambium layer of a pine, there the female among the adults plays an important role. It creates curved tunnels through the living tissue of the plant and lays eggs. On hatching these newly developed larvae feed out from the tunnels until they reach the bark where they pupate and then they finally emerge as adults through small rounded holes on the bark.