Forest service detects emerald ash borer in 5 additional counties

The Texas A&M Forest Service has detected the emerald ash borer in five additional counties, expanding the invasive insect's reach into new areas of Texas. This brings the total number of counties confirmed with detections to eight this year. The findings were made through the agency's statewide emerald ash borer monitoring program, which utilizes purple traps during the adult beetle flight season, typically from February to August.

While trapping has ended for 2026, monitoring for signs of infestation remains ongoing throughout the year. The emerald ash borer, an invasive wood-boring beetle, poses a significant threat to all 16 native ash species in both urban and rural forested environments across North America. Since its initial detection in Texas in 2016, the insect has continued to spread, reaching Hardin County as the current southernmost boundary for its presence in the United States.

Infested ash trees may exhibit signs such as canopy thinning, bark splitting, increased woodpecker activity, and distinctive D-shaped exit holes. The larvae feeding beneath the bark disrupts the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. To prevent the insect's further spread, Texas A&M Forest Service advises against moving untreated ash wood, firewood, or logs long distances.

The agency collaborates with communities, landowners, and industry partners to identify infestations and provide guidance on management options, working alongside the Texas Department of Agriculture in quarantined areas to limit the movement of potentially infested wood products.