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CAPE FEAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE: Updates, resources, and context

Drought May Prompt Outbreak of Pine Beetle

By Peter Biello

Wilmington, NC – The North Carolina Division of Forest Resources is urging landowners to inspect their pine trees for outbreaks of the southern pine beetle.

The southern pine beetle is the most destructive forest pest in North Carolina tends to thrive in the drought conditions. Brian Haines with the Division of Forest Resources says yellow pine needles or reddish-brown dust are signs of an infestation.

Haines also says this warning is not just for commercial tree farmers.

If you own say an acre of land,and you have an overcrowded pine stand, you may want to go outside and take a good look. Because you never know. What could be your beautiful back yard could be devastated by this little tiny beetle.

Haines says those who find the southern pine beetles in their trees should call local forest rangers.

Do you have insight or expertise on this topic? Please email us, we'd like to hear from you. news@whqr.org.