Tree-killing beetle from Asia reaches Texas
The emerald ash borer, an invasive species of beetle responsible for killing tens of millions of ash trees across the country, has made its way to Texas, federal and state officials confirmed Monday.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Forest Service and Texas A&M Forest Service trapped four adult beetles in Harrison County, just south of Karnack in northeast Texas. Lab results confirmed those beetles are emerald ash borers, which can kill ash trees within three years of infestation.
The beetle is native to Asia but turned up in the United States in Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has been found in 26 states including Arkansas and Louisiana.
“We are the 26th member of a club nobody wants to belong to,” said Shane Harrington, forest health coordinator for the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Texas officials have been anticipating the beetles’ arrival for years, setting traps across the state to provide an early warning.
In the United States, there are 16 ash species susceptible to the emerald ash borer. Texas is home to seven of these species, most of which can be found in the state’s urban forests.
“Removal of poor quality ash, planting trees that aren’t susceptible to emerald ash borer, and protecting high value ash by treating them will help us weather this attack,” said Paul Johnson, urban and community forestry program coordinator for Texas A&M Forest Service.
If landowners suspect an emerald ash borer infestation, they should contact their nearest Texas A&M Forest Service office for help.