Temperate forests in Mexico are often inhabited by humans and as such function as social–ecological systems (SES). As elsewhere in the world, these forests are increasingly under threat from bark beetle pests, outbreaks of which will be exacerbated by climate change. Current strategies for confronting bark beetle infestations are typically more technical and reactive, and technology and science have not yet provided economic and practical solutions. Taking into consideration future climate‐change scenarios, forest policy agendas must embrace more holistic strategies focused on improving resistance, resilience, and adaptive capacity of forest SES. Forest landowners are crucial stakeholders worldwide, and when provided with reliable information, training, and incentives, can perform the complex and highly demanding responsibilities of forest monitoring, sanitation logging, and restoration. Participatory sanitation logging in Mexico highlights the opportunities and challenges of dealing with bark beetles, from which lessons can be drawn. A holistic strategy that includes management and public policy recommendations for Mexico and elsewhere is proposed as a potential means of coexisting with this challenge to forest health.