🚨Invasive species alert!

🚨 Meet the Granulated Ambrosia Beetle! The granulated ambrosia beetle is an invasive insect that attacks stressed and young trees across North Carolina. These beetles tunnel into tree trunks and introduce a fungus that blocks the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients, often leading to dieback or death. How to spot them: 🔍Tiny holes along the trunk of the tree. 🔍Toothpick-like strands of compacted sawdust sticking out from the bark. 🔍Wilting leaves and branch diebacks. Fun Fact: Granulated ambrosia beetles do not eat at the wood they tunnel through, meaning that they farm and feed on fungus inside of the tree. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3jd7tsc3 #ForestryFactFriday 📸Photo credit: Identification Technology Program