Using Trickery May Slow The Beetle Kill Epidemic In Wyoming

The beetle kill epidemic has destroyed much of Wyoming's beautiful scenery but a chemical treatment may help curd the spread of beetle kill. The chemical treatment tricks beetles into thinking trees are at beetle capacity.

The Shoshone National Forest in Northern Wyoming has been using the chemical treatment since approximately 2000 to prevent the spread of beetle kill to the areas trees and campgrounds. The chemical used is called MCH and it has been synthesized to trick beetles into thinking trees are already full of beetles.

Beetles communicate through the release of chemicals. The chemical release sends messages to other beetles and in this case, the chemical MCH is used to trick beetles and fend off any infestations

The chemical treatment may slow the spread of beetle kill and if used around the state, the epidemic just might end.

Another issue that might arise though is that of using chemicals for long periods of time and how chemicals may in turn cause other problems for Wyoming's beautiful forests.

The chemical treatment is a small step in rejuvenating Wyoming's decimated forests and hopefully one that proves to help and not hurt.

For more information visit the Powell Tribune.