The emerald ash borer beetle is not a native beetle in the United States as it originated in Asia and was probably transported by cargo ships or airplanes. They were first found in Michigan, the year 2002, but have now spread to most states including Texas.

This beetle is considered a threat because of its ability to nibble on ash foliage and lay eggs on the bark. Although a single insect may not cause a lot of damage, its ability to disrupt the tree’s ability to carry water may cause serious damage, especially when when multiple beetles nibble together. So, how will these destructive insects affect Texas forests?

The growth of this borer beetle can be seen throughout the states. Luckily, for the Texas forests, they will probably not be affected as much as the east-central states. States that have ash trees as common street trees are much more vulnerable to these immigrant insects. For instance, Mississippi is undergoing an emerald ash borer beetle infestation because the city has a lot of ash trees. Nevertheless, their impact in Texas will still be significant.

The threat of the emerald ash borer beetle is now being taken seriously by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service since they are now monitoring the activities of this insect, and if it is going to affect Texas. Efforts are also being done to save ash trees from this insect by pouring or injecting insecticides to the tree. However, it is hard to stop this borer because they have already spread to different parts of the country.

Although it is not simply that some states have more vulnerable and invested ash trees then Texas that result in the ash borer’s limitations in Texas, but environmental stress such as the weather that can also affect their decline. However, this insect has greatly contributed to the rapid deaths of trees. Texas on the other hand, is still considered safe from this pest and all of those in Texas would agree that they do not want this exotic pest anywhere near their city and or forests. The states of Texas even recommend their citizens to report any possible detection of this insect so that they can identify and create the right course of action and get rid of this pest right away should is appear.

Preventive Pest Control has multiple locations in Houston and can assist with pest control in Pearland.

Photo by NatureServe. Used under CC BY-ND 2.0