Hello Maureen

Based on your images and what you explained in your question - I believe this is a Pine Sawyer Beetle

Here is some information on the pine sawyer beetle:

Pine sawyers are among our most spectacular beetles. Many mistake it for the dreaded Asian longhorned beetle. This is a native beetle that develops in declining pine trees and is one of the vectors of pine wilt nematode. The genus Monochamus is represented by several wood-boring beetle species in the eastern United States, all of which feed on various conifers. The most common species in our area are M. scutellatus and the northeastern sawyer, M. notatus.

The larvae are known as "sawyers" because of the loud noise they make while feeding. Freshly cut, felled, dying or recently dead trees are preferred. Young larvae feed on the inner bark, cambium, and outer sapwood, forming shallow excavations called surface galleries that they fill with coarse, fibrous borings and frass (insect excrement). As they grow older, they bore deep into the heartwood, and then turn around and bore back toward the surface, thereby forming a characteristic U-shaped tunnel. A pupal cell is formed at the outer end of the tunnel, from which the adult emerges by chewing through the remaining wood and bark. Eggs are laid in slits or niches chewed in the bark, preferably near old branch scars or in wrinkled areas on logs. Full-grown larvae are often close to two inches long. Two years are required to complete the life cycle in the Lake states and southern Canada. More information at this link: http://entoweb.okstate.edu/ddd/insects/pinesawyerbeetle.htm

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) recommendations for Pine Sawyer Beetle:

Dead pines can become reservoirs for beetles. Infected trees should be cut promptly and burned, buried, or chipped. The infested tree should also be cut as flush to the ground as possible, as the nematode and sawyers can survive in stumps. They can also survive in firewood for a time, so recently killed trees should not be cut into firewood and stored. The disease (pine wilt) can be spread by chips, but only if the chips are fresh and placed against the trunk of a healthy pine tree. Storing the chips for 6 weeks will dry them sufficiently so that the danger of disease transmission is minimal. See article: Sawyer Beetles and Pine Wilt Disease at this link:

https://extension.sdstate.edu/sawyer-beetles-and-pine-wilt-disease

The beetles are attracted to stressed trees, so it is important to water during drought periods and to control disease and insect infestations. Consider planting pines that are less susceptible to pine wilt disease. Native pine species, white, red, and jack are less susceptible to pine wilt disease. See Pocket Guide to Common Pest Problems and Beneficials - Kansas State University (Page 30) at this link: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/s158.pdf

Hope this helps!!

Hello Maureen,

My answer is true for a dead tree. You stated originally that this tree was dying not completely dead.

Also in the images you sent, I did not actually, see the Pine Sawyer Beetle, however, I did see fine wood shavings on the ground and recognize your original statement that you could actually, hear the insect boring inside the tree. Based on this was is why I came to the conclusion that it might be a Pine Sawyer Beetle

If you are fully confident that this tree will die - Your next step after it is dead is to cut down the tree and burn it as quickly as possible.

There are two other options:

Option 1: You could get a confirmed diagnosis on this pine tree insect issue from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab - Please send your images to the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. The lab strongly encourages clients to email digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>. There is a $20-25 dollar fee. Their website has the form and instructions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

After the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab lets you know and when you are ready to send a sample - Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/

Option 2: Consult with a certified arborist on site - make sure you verify their credentials that they are trained on disease and insects. You can Find an Arborist at this link: https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/arboristsearch

Hope this helps!!