An invasive beetle that can damage or kill many types of trees has been found in Santa Cruz, and county agriculture officials are asking for the public’s help to prevent further spread.
The Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture, partnering with the University of California Cooperative Extension, said in a media release that the presence of the shothole borer was confirmed in the Tannery area north of downtown, with arborists identifying two affected trees.
Invasive shothole borers (ISHB) are tiny beetles that can seriously damage or kill many types of host trees. Depending on the severity and the value remaining in the tree, arborists may decide to cut down the tree or spray it with insecticides, fungicides and horticultural oils. Arborists highly recommend that residents do not try to kill beetles, and instead contact an accredited arborist.
In Paradise Park, located upriver of the Tannery complex, one heavily infested tree has been discovered with hundreds of entry holes – solid indication that more beetles are present and spreading. Local officials want residents to be aware and attentive in spotting early signs.
What to look for
- Small, perfectly round entry holes (roughly the size of a ballpoint pen tip).
- Wet staining, gumming, frass (boring dust) or sugary buildup around holes.
How to help
- Check to see if you have symptoms by taking the ISHB Detection Assessment.
- Report suspected infestations to:
- Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office: 831-763-8080
- UC Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz Mountains Forests Program: bdwoodward@ucanr.edu
Residents can play a major role in protecting local trees and preventing further spread of this invasive pest by staying alert and reporting early signs.
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