The invasive emerald ash borer beetle’s discovery in Delta, Erath, Hardin, Walker, and Wood continues its spread into new parts of Texas. Eight new counties have been confirmed to have the invasive species this year. The detections were made through Texas AM Forest Service’s statewide eme rald ash borer monitoring program, which uses purple traps to identify new infestations and track the insect’s movement across the state. Traps are deployed during the adult beetle flight season, typically beginning in February or early March and remain in place through July or August. Trapping has concluded for 2026, but monitoring for signs of emerald ash borer infestation continues year-round. WHAT IS AN EMERALD ASH BORER? The emerald ash borer is a small beetle, green in color and smaller than a penny. The beetle bores its way into the tree’s bark and lays eggs. Larvae feed on water-conducting tissue, eventually killing the tree.  Officials said the insect has been confirmed in more than half of the United States and has killed millions of ash trees. “Both healthy and unhealthy ash trees are susceptible to an EAB attack and may die within two or three years after becoming infested,” said Allen Smith, Texas AM Forest Service regional forest health coordinator, during an interview with NBC 5 in May 2022. “Ash trees have no natural resistance to the exotic insect. Without proper proactive measures, mortality can be 100% in heavily infested areas, so early detection could improve our chances to manage the pest.” Ash trees with low numbers of EAB often have few or no external symptoms of infestations. However, residents can look for signs of EAB among their ash trees, including dead branches near the top of the tree, leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk, bark splits exposing S-shaped larval galleries, extensive woodpecker activities, and D-shaped exit holes. The beetle was first discovered in North America in 2002 in Michigan. It has since spread to at least 36 states, killing millions of ash trees. How to help Texans can help minimize the spread of EAB by diversifying tree and plant species on their property, following the 10-20-30 rule — planting no more than 10% of any species, 20% of any genus, or 30% of any family. To report emerald ash borer, please call the EAB Hotline at 1-866-322-4512. For more information on EAB in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/trees/invasive-species/invasive-insects/emerald-ash-borer/. Tree-killing Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Cooke County. ...read more read less