The fact sheet HGIC 2009 "Pine Insects" is currently being reviewed and will be posted here as soon as it is complete.  The following is a transcript of the taped message on this subject which can be accessed by South Carolina residents using the Home & Garden Information Center's toll-free message system. 

Numerous insects are pests on pines, including Nantucket pine tip moth, southern pine beetle, white pine aphid, mites, weevils, scales, pine webworm, pine engraver beetle and turpentine beetle.

Newly hatched caterpillars of the Nantucket pine tip moth produce a web and feed on the base of needles. They then move to shoot tips and tunnel into a stem to feed. The first sign of damage is browning of a few needles at the branch tips. Branch tips turn brown and die. It is uncommon for trees to be killed by these pests, but height is affected and stems are deformed. Fertilization and irrigation reduce damage effectively. Control requires carefully timed applications of a recommended insecticide.

Southern pine beetle is one kind of pine bark beetle. Pine bark beetles are covered in fact sheet and tape message 2010. Southern pine beetles bore into the bark and lay eggs. Their immature forms feed in the layer under the bark destroying structures that carry food and water. Symptoms include popcorn or larger sized balls of resin on the outer surface of the bark, reddish sawdust-like material on the bark and a general decline of the tree. For the homeowner, the best control is to keep trees healthy, especially by watering and fertilization. Remove infested trees immediately.

White pine aphids live on the smooth bark of smaller tree branches where they suck plant sap. As they feed they excrete a sugary material called honeydew. Their feeding can reduce or kill twig growth. Several predators feed on these pests and they usually disappear after a few weeks. If necessary, pesticides are also available. As with any pesticide, read and follow all label directions and precautions.