The invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle has been detected in Texas.
The beetle is a non-native, wood-boring pest that threatens urban, suburban and rural forests, killing millions of ash trees throughout the U.S., according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.
U.S. Forest Service and the Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) officials trapped four adult EAB beetles in Harrison County just south of Karnack, Texas. None of the ash trees in the area currently showed signs of distress.
Texas has been prepared for the possible invasion of the bug by putting out detection traps statewide.
“Early detection of this destructive pest minimizes its spread and enables us to effectively work with those affected by providing information and science-based solutions to potential attacks,” Shane Harrington, Texas A&M Forest Service forest health coordinator, said.
Texas is home to seven of the 16 ash tree species that are susceptible to attack from EAB beetles.
Ash trees in Texas make up less than five percent of the state’s rural forests but have a large population in urban forests.
TFS is currently working with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to implement a response plan, including tracking the beetle’s movement, educational campaigns and considering and establishing quarantined areas.
“TFS is working with other state and federal agencies to ensure that the general public, home and landowners know fact from fiction and what to look for when monitoring for EAB,” Harrington said.