Pine Beetle

With so much pine forestry throughout the wider Tasman region, properties near plantations, recently harvested blocks, or stored logs and firewood can encounter the burnt pine longhorn beetle. This large, dark longhorn beetle — recognisable by its long antennae and length of around 25-30mm — was introduced to New Zealand decades ago and is now established throughout the country. It breeds in stumps, logs, and standing dead or dying pine, with particularly heavy numbers turning up in trees and timber damaged by fire. While it doesn't attack healthy standing trees or structural timber in your home, adult beetles are strongly attracted to lights at night and are a common nuisance around forestry-adjacent properties, sawmills, and log yards — often finding their way indoors.