ATLANTA — An effort is under way to stop a beetle invasion in Georgia.
Workers with Trees Atlanta are posting 18 custom-made traps throughout metro Atlanta to catch emerald ash borers.
Although the pests haven't shown up in Georgia, they're getting dangerously close, and have already been spotted in Knoxville, Tenn., experts said.
"We're very concerned, considering it is 55 miles away from our north Georgia border," Jeremy Hughes told Channel 2's Carol Sbarge about the pests that can kill an ash tree in just two years. "It's easily transported by humans by vehicles and firewood."
The big traps are designed to attract any emerald ash borers that slip in.
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"When you start losing any particular species such as we had the Dutch elm disease wipe out all the elms, the chestnut blight wiped out all the chestnut trees, it creates a less diverse forest which is a less healthy forest," Lincoln Weis said.
Many of the traps are being placed near industrial parks because large trucks can bring in beetles in from other states.
The Georgia Forestry Commission said the traps being posted throughout the state will be checked for any signs of the beetle.
Officials advise everyone to look out for the pest, recommending those coming from an infested area to wash down their vehicles. For those who buy local firewood, avoid transporting it from its point of origin to prevent the presence of the beetles.
WSBTV
