A destructive and invasive beetle species has been spotted in Mississippi for the first time.
The Mississippi Forestry Commission has confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer in Issaquena County. Native to Asia, the Emerald Ash Borer is a destructive wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills all species of ash trees.
According to officials, the confirmation was made following a field investigation by the Forest Management and Forest Health staff of the forestry commission, in collaboration with federal and state partners. The identification was verified by Mississippi State University. This is the first known detection of this invasive insect in the state.
Since its initial American discovery in Michigan in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. The insect’s larvae feed beneath the bark, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
“The arrival of Emerald Ash Borer in Mississippi is unfortunate but not unexpected,” Russell Bozeman with the Mississippi Forestry Commission said. “Ash trees are valuable components of both our urban and natural forests. The MFC will work closely with partners and landowners to monitor the spread of EAB and provide guidance on how to manage its impact.”
Trees infested with the Emerald Ash Borer typically die within three to five years. Officials said signs of infestation include canopy thinning, D-shaped exit holes in the bark, serpentine larval galleries under the bark, and increased woodpecker activity.
Folks who come in contact with a tree that may have been impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer are asked to inspect for infestation, refrain from moving the tree’s firewood, and report suspected activity of infestation.