invasive pests

Saving North Carolina’s Urban Ash Trees

Saving North Carolina’s Urban Ash Trees

In 2013, the emerald ash borer made its debut in North Carolina. The devastation of forests north and northwest caused by this invasive beetle was already well-known, so its discovery was met with dread. The ash forests were dying, and quickly. The future did not look good for North Carolina’s ash trees. Over the next […]

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The Spotted Lanternfly: Spotted in Virginia

The Spotted Lanternfly: Spotted in Virginia

And we need your help to spot it here! In 2013, the emerald ash borer was found for the first time in N.C.  Now, a mere 5 years later, it can be found in a third of our state. The introduction of this forest pest has been catastrophic. Countless ash trees have been killed by […]

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New scale insect threatens the South’s beloved crape myrtle

New scale insect threatens the South’s beloved crape myrtle

The crape myrtle is a fan favorite in the southern landscape. Across the region, its pink, lavender, red and white flowers can be spotted along streets, in cities, parks and yards. They are loved for their gorgeous flowers and smooth bark, but also prized for their drought-hardiness and ability to withstand pests. That is, until […]

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Thousand Cankers Disease Stays Put for Another Year in NC

Thousand Cankers Disease Stays Put for Another Year in NC

From late summer through early November, the N.C. Forest Services’ Forest Health staff, the Plant Industry Division, and cooperators with the Duke Forest set and monitored 104 traps across the state with the intent of detecting the walnut twig beetle in new locations. This beetle is the carrier for a fungus (Geosmithia morbida) that causes […]

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BugFest visitors hear the buzz about firewood

BugFest visitors hear the buzz about firewood

On Sept. 17, 30,000 visitors swarmed BugFest, an annual event at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh. While many are adventurous and take a bite out of dishes with six-legged ingredients, the N.C. Forest Service and Plant Industry Division encouraged festival-goers not to take risks when it comes to firewood. You see, firewood […]

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