Insect pests like jack pine budworm and diseases like scleroderis may become more active and damaging to jack pine forests under a warmer climate.

Under a high emissions scenario, researchers forecast more insect pest damage in northern forests due to increased metabolic activity in active periods and increased winter survival. Drought-stressed trees are also typically more vulnerable to insect pests and diseases. The possibility exists for new pests such as western bark beetles to arrive in the Upper Midwest.