The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that kills ash trees, has been detected in three additional Texas counties as officials work to slow its spread.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — An invasive insect responsible for killing hundreds of millions of trees across North America has been detected in three additional Texas counties.
According to Texas A&M Forest Service, emerald ash borers have now been confirmed in Young, Montague and Clay counties after adult beetles were captured in monitoring traps.
The new detections expand the known range of the destructive pest, which was first found in Texas in 2016.
The emerald ash borer is a metallic green, wood-boring beetle that attacks ash trees. As larvae tunnel beneath the bark, they disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, eventually killing it.
“Monitoring is one of our most important tools for tracking the spread of emerald ash borer in Texas,” said Allen Smith, forest health program manager with Texas A&M Forest Service. “These detections help us better understand where the insect is present so landowners and municipalities can implement management strategies as it continues to move across the state.”
Foresters use a network of distinctive purple traps across Texas to monitor the insect’s spread and identify new infestations.
Officials say homeowners should watch for warning signs including thinning tree canopies, increased woodpecker activity, bark splitting, D-shaped exit holes and zig-zag tunnels beneath the bark.
While the beetle can spread naturally, experts say people often help move the insect unknowingly by transporting infested firewood, logs and untreated ash wood products.
To slow its spread, Texans are encouraged to buy and burn firewood locally and avoid moving untreated wood long distances.
State forestry officials are also working with communities and the Texas Department of Agriculture on quarantine measures designed to limit the movement of potentially infested wood products.
To report emerald ash borer, please call the EAB Hotline at 1-866-322-4512.
For more information on EAB in Texas, please visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/EAB/.