Bomb Cyclone Aftermath: Foresters Urge Treatment Of Branches To Prevent Beetle Infestation

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - State foresters are urging residents near Colorado Springs to cut and treat the trees and branches downed by the powerful storm that struck the area in mid-March. The Gazette reports the Colorado State Forest Service is looking to avoid an infestation of bark beetles that tend to prey on small, newly fallen trees and branches.

According to the state Forest Service, Ips beetles usually lay their eggs in mid-April. The larvae mature within eight weeks and then spread to new trees to feast.

Forester Dave Root says the first brood of beetles should die if people treat the branches properly.

According to the National Weather Service, the Black Forest area near Colorado Springs recorded gusts of 84 mph during the bomb cyclone storm.

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