Southern Pine Beetle Season Returns to Georgia Forests
The bugs are back—and some of them have their sights set on southern pines. With summer heating up, southern pine beetle season is officially here, and it’s a concern across the Southeast.
The Georgia Farm Bureau is sharing results from the Georgia Forestry Commission’s latest trapping survey, which helps predict where beetle outbreaks are most likely. Forest Health Coordinator Paul McDaniel says Georgia’s west-central region remains a hotspot, with Polk and Paulding Counties showing the highest activity this spring.
Southern pine beetles are the most destructive pine pest in the region, able to wipe out healthy trees by the acre. This year’s trapping results brought no big surprises—and even showed an increase in clerid beetles, a natural predator that helps keep the SPB in check.
Meanwhile, forest health experts are also keeping a close eye on Ips beetles, which often show up in storm-damaged areas like those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Georgia Forestry Commission will continue aerial and ground surveys this summer. For more on the 2025 prediction and tips for protecting your timber, visit GaTrees.org.
