Destructive Tree Pest Found in Fulton County

An invasive insect responsible for the death or decline of millions of ash trees in 20 states was detected in Georgia for the first time.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said that suspect emerald ash borer beetles were trapped during routine monitoring last month in DeKalb and Fulton counties. Days later the beetles were confirmed as emerald ash borers, setting in motion plans by the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force to block the insect’s spread.

“Forestry specialists have been monitoring the emerald ash borer for more than a decade, and have been surveying for the pest since 2008,” said Robert Farris, Georgia Forestry Commission director. “We’ll need the public’s help in stopping it from spreading farther.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black said the beetle larvae live underneath the bark of ash firewood. People unknowingly give the pest a ride when they move emerald ash borer firewood between counties or from home to campsite.

“Everyone can help by spreading the message, ‘Don’t move firewood,’” Black said.

While only 1 percent of Georgia’s forested acres contain ash trees, that 1 percent covers some 3 million acres in urban environments and 2 million in rural settings. Losses to the forest industry and the public could reach $1 billion.