Florida Forest Service’s Senior Forester Greg Dunn can tell if a pine tree’s bark has been eaten by a southern pine beetle because of the zig-zaggy grooves it leaves behind.
The insects, which are the size of a grain of rice, only attack pine trees, leaving them dry and brown once they suck all the liquid out of its bark.
One of the problem areas is right behind Kristen Lancaster’s home.
“My concern is obviously that they in heavy wind or storms come down on the house within striking distance and I don't know the fire hazard with the lightning strikes,” Lancaster said.
Back in June, Sky Action News Jax showed you how widespread the problem was in Nassau County, now St. Johns County is feeling the impact.
“We have about 18 spots in the county. They are mostly up in the Palm Valley area in the northeast part of the county,” Dunn said.
Dunn said once a problem area is spotted staff works with land owners who then have to cut down the trees themselves. He said the problem goes beyond just aesthetics.
“If the populations grow from a HOA (homeowners' association) area and go into a timberland site it can devastate what's happening for that timberland farmer there,” Dunn said.
Lancaster said her homeowners' association is already aware of the issue.
“They're moving forward with it, the management company is, so hopefully we'll get answers soon,” Lancaster said.
An easy way to tell if the pines around your home have been infested is to look for tiny holes on the outer bark. If you see these tiny holes, that signifies insects have exited the trunk. If you see that you should call the Florida Forest Service.
The good news is the Florida Forest Service doesn't consider the issue an outbreak just yet and the insects become dormant during the fall and winter months.
Cox Media Group
