Out of the Woods. (cover story)

This article presents a method for controlling the spread of the invasive bark beetle by synthesizing its own pheromones and using this chemical, called verbenone, to keep the beetles away from vulnerable pine trees. Methods of distribution of this chemical are also presented. The article describes the destruction already wrought by the bark beetle as well as past attempts to control its population by using more toxic solutions like DDT and chlordane pesticides. The advantages of verbenone in comparison to these other methods of control is its efficacy and safety, but its listed drawbacks include expense and difficulty of distribution, as well as an uncertain time to apply.