Invasive Beetle Detected in Felton
An infestation of the invasive shothole borer (ISHB) has been found south of Graham Hill Rd along Zayante Creek just before it feeds into the San Lorenzo River. The presence of the beetle has been confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Entomology Laboratory.
The Department of Agriculture was first alerted to the infestation by a Felton resident who noticed damage to trees while hiking near East Zayante and Graham Hill Roads. The Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture and the University of California Cooperative Extension Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources are monitoring the situation.
Invasive shothole borers are small beetles that can damage or kill a wide variety of host trees. The presence of invasive shothole borers was also confirmed earlier this year in the Coyote Creek area of San Jose.
The Department of Agriculture and UC Extension are surveying the area to better understand the infestation. While eradication of invasive shothole borers is extraordinarily difficult, members of the public who live in the area can help by checking trees for sign of infestation, which include small holes in trees that are perfectly round and roughly the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. Other signs can include wet staining, gumming, frass, boring dust and sugary buildup around entry and exit holes.
To identify new potential infestations, first take the ISHB Detection Assessment to see if your tree is suffering from ISHB damage. Report suspected damage from invasive shothole borers to the Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture at 831-763-8080. More resources on the monitoring, detection, and management of ISHB are available at ISHB.org, or by contacting your local Cooperative Extension Forest Advisor.
Introduction to Invasive Shothole Borers
The YouTube video above is from the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. UC IPM helps residents, growers, land managers, community leaders, and other professional pest managers prevent and solve pest problems with the least unintended impacts on people and their surroundings. The program draws on expertise of University of California scientists to develop and distribute UC’s information on managing pests using safe and effective techniques and strategies that protect people and the environment.
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