Viewing: invasive pests
Have Fungus, Will Travel: Tree-killing disease jumps to Tennessee and Kentucky
An unwelcome sight has plagued our coastal forests for years now. Dead redbay trees line the roadways and mar our coastal forests in southeastern N.C. These trees are dead because of an invader—a non-native fungus carried from tree to tree
Busy Summer for Invasive Tree-Killer: Emerald ash borer detected in 11 new counties since May
Summer is often full of plans, but no one has been busier this year than the emerald ash borer. Although small, this invasive beetle is killing countless ash trees across the state. Since May, it has been confirmed in 11
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
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
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
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
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
Emerald ash borer on the move: Four new counties positive for the tree-killing beetle
Across the state, North Carolinians are packing their bags and going on their summer vacations. Roads are full of families driving to the beautiful N.C. beaches, charming Piedmont destinations and the awe-inspiring mountains. But vacationers aren’t the only ones on
It’s all about the S’more
Sweet summertime, fireflies, campfires and roasted marshmallows. They just go together. School will be out soon and camping will commence. When making your checklist for items to bring on your camping trip, there’s one that should be left off the list
And it spreads: Laurel wilt found in Onslow County for first time
Laurel wilt is a devastating non-native disease of redbay trees and other plants in the laurel family in the southeastern U.S. Native to Southeast Asia, it was first detected near Savannah, Ga., in the early 2000s and has since spread