Southern pine beetle devastating Alabama forests, highest number spotted in 23 years

The Southern pine beetle (SPB), the most destructive forest insect in the South according to the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), has infested almost 5000 spots across Alabama as of August 22.

Each spot kills on average 191 pine trees.

Highest number of pine beetles in 23 years

“Unfortunately, this is the highest number of beetle spots we’ve experienced in the state in the last 23 years. The agency has conducted aerial surveys in 51 counties so far, with more counties anticipated over the next couple weeks.”

State Forester Rick Oates

Counties with significant SPB activity (more than 100 spots) are:

• Bibb
• Calhoun
• Choctaw
• Clay
• Colbert
• Coosa
• Franklin
• Lamar
• Lawrence
• Marion
• Perry
• Randolph
• Talladega
• Winston

The worst infestations are located within and around Bankhead National Forest and the Oakmulgee District of the Talladega National Forest.

How to be part of the solution

Are you a forest landowner with a SPB spot near you? Visit the SPB Location Map which is continuously updated to find out.

If your property is on this map or near an SPB spot, you can begin treating the spots. Both the SPB map and beetle control information can be viewed on the AFC’s website at forestry.alabama.gov.

“Alabama’s timber industry is a driver of our economy, and these pine beetles can pose a real threat. Landowners should take care to identify these beetles to protect their own harvest, as well as to help prevent the spread to other timber. The Alabama Forestry Commission is working hard to locate the beetle spots and notify landowners of the potential problem.”

Governor Kay Ivey

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