What kind of beetles bore through trees?

Question

I was in the woods when I walked by a tree with little patches of four or five beetles boring through it in different places. The beetles had black and yellow bodies - not patterned - and little black heads. I tried to search for them but didn't find anything similar. What are they?

Answer 1

There are several varieties of Bark Beetles. Some are native others came into this country in lumber used to make pallets and shipping crates.  In Southern California on account of several years of drought Pine Beetles really doing a number on our native pine forests.

Answer 2

John, Paul, George, & Ringo?  lol  I don't know anything about insects but I couldn't resist giving you a smart a** answer! lol