Question
I am an ISA Certified Arborist in Charlotte NC.  I work for a tree care firm &
am often asked about pine bark beetles - or shown dead trees that were
"killed by borers".  Here is what I think I know... The oval shaped, chewed out
"holes" I see look like sawyer beetle holes (they didn't kill the tree I am told).  
I also see "shot-holes" which I have learned are the exit holes from the SPB.  
The SPB infests the upper 2/3 of the tree, and is evidenced by little pitch
tubes in dry trees?  The bigger purpleish pitch tubes are probably turpentine
beetles (when in the bottom of tree)?  It seems like it is difficult in the urban
setting to accurately detect SPB in green trees -without climbing up for face-
to-bark time.  So, how can I best help my clients protect thier trees?  
Currently I recommend removal of those dead or obviously in decline, and
Deep-root bio-fertilizer (organic of course) for the big & important
remainders.  Is there any REAL chemical means of treatment for trees that
might be infested but we can't tell for sure - or prevention?  I'm talking about
suburban half-acre lots, kids dogs & etc...  We can't realistically spray down
the trunks with Lindane... can we?

Answer
The shot holes I would guess are from  bark beetle called IPs Engraver beetle. The Southern Pine Beetle will also leaves shot holes but they would have attacked the adjacent trees and killed them also. Ips attack weaken trees or those damaged by lightning  or physical damage. Ips attack the upper trunk and limbs first but will move down to the lower trunk. SPB will attack about half way up a trunk but not attack limbs and move down the tree. You are correct  about turpentine beetles they are on the lower trunk and larger pitch tubes.

For urban pines spraying the trunk with an insecticide called ONYX will prevent bark beetle attack for about 3-4 months. IF there is evidence of recent pines dying in the area I would spray the trunks up to at least 3/4 of the height with the onyx in water. Use a big droplet spray and spray to the point of run off. This way the small droplets will not drift. There is not problem with kids or animals once the spray has dried.

A new insecticide called Bayer Advanced tree and shrub insect control has on the label bark beetles. I do not know if it will work on pine beetles but it seems to reason it would. This is applied to the soil and the tree takes it to the system and when the beetle bores into the cambium layer the insecticide kills the beetle.
might be worth it to try over the spray if the spraying is a problem.

I hope this answers most of your questions.