Louisiana’s Statewide Bark Beetle Infestation Continues to Grow at an Alarming Rate

Lake Charles Louisiana’s NBC affiliate KPLC TV.com reported on Saturday (7-6-24), about growing concern over a statewide bark beetle infestation. The beetles, which burrow into the tree and destroy its vascular system, are growing in numbers.

Lawmakers are hoping to bring attention to this issue to save an industry, its jobs, and the lives of Louisianans. Beauregard Parish produced around $700 million with its timber industry in 2015, showing just how vital these trees are to Louisiana.

Experts and local arborists like Mike Nevils with Nevils Tree Service said last year’s drought is a big reason Louisiana’s pines are being infected at an alarming rate. “It’s the worst I’ve seen in about a decade working in this industry. The beetles are attacking these trees and destroying them, not only posing a threat to the timber industry but also residents who have these pines around their homes,” Nevils said.

The Emergency Beetle Committee is planning to have an emergency meeting at the State Capitol Tuesday (7-9-24) to discuss plans on how to control the infestation. The committee will meet with experts in the legal, forestry and agricultural fields to work on a solution, and a potential emergency declaration.

The committee also plans to discuss emergency funding for those who cannot afford tree work. Nevins said there’s not much that can be done once a tree is infected. “You have to have the infected tree cut down. It then needs to be carried off to a facility to be burned to stop the spread of these insects. The problem is one beetle alone can release pheromones attracting thousands of others to the surrounding area. I’m hoping something can be done about it soon. Check your trees for burrow holes, missing bark, and brown needles,” Nevins said.