Even on blue sky days, hidden threats like the Southern Pine Beetle can weaken trees and lead to unexpected power outages without a storm cloud in sight. These tiny but destructive pests are an epidemic across much of the southeast, including West Georgia. At Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative’s (EMC) recent agribusiness seminar, Paul McDaniel, Forest Health Coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, outlined practical steps landowners can take to slow beetle movement and help contribute to grid reliability.
“The Southern Pine Beetle is the most destructive native pest in the forestry industry,” said McDaniel. “It has caused the state more than $245 million in damage since the 1970s.”
Small but mighty, the Southern Pine Beetle will attack an entirely healthy tree and move across an entire stand of pine before being detected. By the time the tree turns yellow or red, it is already too late. Early detection is critical to preventing widespread damage, and landowners are encouraged to regularly inspect their forests and watch for signs like pitch tubes.
If a pine stand becomes infested, McDaniel advises contacting a local forester to help determine the boundaries of the outbreak. He recommends removing up to 100 feet of healthy trees around the affected area, creating a buffer that disrupts the pheromone cycle and helps prevent the Southern Pine Beetle from spreading from tree to tree.
“Southern Pine Beetles are actually not good flyers,” added McDaniel. “They end up floating around in the air and onto the next tree over. You’re trying to put that distance in between trees to keep this from happening.”
To prevent an infestation, keep well-thinned, healthy pine stands that can naturally protect themselves. This also benefits electric utilities, like Carroll EMC, with right-of-way maintenance and decreases the likelihood of downed trees on power lines.
‘The ratios are getting better, and I think we’re on a downward trend,” said McDaniel. “I think we saw the peak last year, but we’ll continue to see spikes over the next couple of years.”
If you see a tree threatening a power line, contact (770) 832-3552, and Carroll EMC will have a crew inspect it. For questions about forest management or to contact a local forestry office, visit gatrees.org.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
