Agriculture officials have confirmed the presence of an invasive beetle in Santa Cruz, warning it could damage or kill many types of local trees if left unchecked.
The Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture, working with the University of California Cooperative Extension, said that the invasive shot-hole borer beetle was found in two trees in the Tannery area of the city. Arborists identified the affected trees, prompting local agencies to call on the public’s help in spotting early signs and slowing the spread.
The City Manager’s Office said Monday that in Paradise Park, just upriver from the Tannery, a heavily infested tree was discovered with hundreds of entry holes, showing that more beetles are already present and spreading.
The invasive shot-hole borer is a tiny beetle but can seriously damage or kill host trees. Residents are urged to check for small, perfectly round entry holes about the size of a ballpoint pen tip, as well as wet staining, gumming, boring dust, or sugary buildup around holes.
To assist in detection, residents can take the ISHB Detection Assessment and report suspected infestations to the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at (831) 763-8080, or to the UC Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz Mountains Forests Program.
“By staying alert and reporting signs early, residents can play a vital role in protecting local trees and preventing further spread of this destructive pest,” the City Manager’s Office said.