March 6, 2003
Albany - Asian Ambrosia Beetles are becoming more common in South Georgia. Dougherty County Extension Agent, Dr. Lenny Wells, says, "During March is when they are most abundant."
The beetles can destroy your trees and plants. The Asia Ambrosia Beetle came to the United States in 1974. They started in South Carolina, but are slowly migrating to nearby states.
Adult beetles are about two millimeter in length and dark reddish brown. The only way to tell if they are inside your tree, look for tubes of sawdust hanging out where the beetles bore in.
They are known to attack trees and shrubs including, crape myrtle, peach, oak, sweet gum, plum, cherry, persimmon, elm, magnolia, fig, buckeye, sweet potato and pecan. Dr. Lenny Wells explains, "Haven't heard major problems at commercial pecan orchards, it's more of a problem with nurseries and landscaping plants."Asian Ambrosia Beetles leave behind fungus that block the tree or plants nutrients.
Infested plants or plant parts should be removed and burned. Sprays only protect those that have not been attacked by beetles.
posted at 5:03PM by kathryn.simmons@walb.com
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