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Add as preferred source The Texas A&M Forest Service has confirmed emerald ash borer in Delta, Erath, Hardin, Walker and Wood counties, continuing the spread of the invasive insect into new areas of Texas. Eight new counties have been confirmed with detections this year.
The detections were made through Texas A&M Forest Service's statewide emerald ash borer monitoring program , which uses purple traps to identify new infestations and track the insect's movement across the state.
Traps are deployed during the adult beetle flight season, typically beginning in February or early March, and remain in place through July or August. Trapping has concluded for 2026, but monitoring for signs of emerald ash borer infestation continues year-round.
Emerald ash borer is an invasive wood-boring beetle responsible for the death of hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America. Since its first detection in Texas in 2016, the insect has continued to expand its range, threatening all 16 native ash species in both urban and rural forested environments.
"As the current southernmost boundary for this insect in the U.S., Hardin County signals a clear message: Where ash trees extend south, this pest has been able to follow," said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service regional forest health coordinator.
Adult emerald ash borer beetles are metallic green and approximately one-half inch (1.3 centimeters) long. Ash trees in the early stages of attack often have few or no external symptoms, though infested ash trees may exhibit canopy thinning, bark splitting, increased woodpecker activity and distinctive D-shaped exit holes left by emerging adults. Larvae feeding beneath the bark create winding S-shaped galleries that disrupt the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients.
Although the insect can spread naturally, human movement of infested firewood, logs and other ash wood products can accelerate its expansion. Texas A&M Forest Service encourages Texans to buy firewood where it will be burned and avoid transporting untreated wood long distances.
Texas A&M Forest Service works with communities, landowners and industry partners to identify infestations and provide guidance on management options. The agency also coordinates with the Texas Department of Agriculture regarding quarantine areas established to help limit the movement of potentially infested wood products.
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