Summary of Bark Beetle Activity In Georgia For Calendar Year 1997

Terry Price, Forest Health Specialist, Georgia Forestry Commission

Southern pine beetles (SPB) and Ips engraver beetles did considerable damage across the southern half of Georgia during 1997. The Georgia Forestry Commission detected 1,098 individual spots of dead and dying trees following two aerial surveys conducted in June and October. The heaviest SPB activity occurred in six coastal plain counties and in scattered patches throughout the lower piedmont. Sapelo Island sustained heavy losses from SPB along with other areas in Camden, McIntosh, Glynn and Long counties. In the piedmont, Baldwin, Jasper, Jones, Bibb and Stewart counties reported serious local activity.

Ips engraver beetles started the year out with a bang, but by September had declined considerably. Hardest hit counties were those most affected by the drought. Ips beetles outbreaks are short-lived; lasting from about May through September.

Bark beetle activity (Ips and SPB) is expected to be low throughout the coastal plain during 1998 unless drought conditions develop. Increases in SPB activity may appear throughout the piedmont and mountains in the spring and summer of 1998. Several large spots (5-20 acres) occurred in the region during 1997 and this amount of activity may indicate increased activity during the 1998 season.

The GFC will be participating in the southwide SPB pheromone trapping survey beginning in April of 1998. Forty-eight traps will be placed throughout the state and monitored for four weeks by local GFC foresters. The survey helps entomologists predict levels of SPB activity and whether or not aerial surveys should be conducted.

The Georgia Forestry Commission is available to assist landowners with forestry problems. Call 1-800-GA-TREES or contact the Georgia Forestry Commission office in your area.