One tiny creepy crawler can bring south carolina's 17 billion dollar forestry industry to its knees.
"And anything that impacts that industry definately impacts every South Carolinian," says Chisolm Beckham, South Carolina Forestry Commission.
That's exactly what happened six years ago. In 2003, the southern pine beetle destroyed 250 million dollars in timber. In a tough economy, everyone from loggers to foresters and anyone who does business with them could take a hit.
"Anyone from the country grocer to the grocery store... I mean there's a big ripple effect," says Beckham.
Chisolm Beckham says the forestry commission is setting up 93 pine beetle traps statewide. The goal is to determine if 2009 will see an outbreak. Technicians count the ratio of predators, clerids, to beetles.
There are two methods used to fight beetle outbreaks. Salvage removal and the 'cut and leave' option. Officials say the method varies from case to case. In June, the forestry commission will do aerial inspections to determine the areas affected.
Since the beetles target stressed trees, another outbreak depends on landowners and tree upkeep.
"A landowners approach should always going to be a pro-active one," says Beckham.
Beckham suggests removing weak or dead trees. He also recommends putting six to ten feet between healthy ones. Landowners should contact the forestry commission if they suspect a southern pine beetle outbreak on their property. You'll also want to check the crown ration of your tree, which is the ration of the foliage to the trees height.
When it comes to pine trees, certain types are more susceptible to the tiny pest. Longleaf pines generally hold-up the best against southern pine beetles. The loblolly pine is at a moderate risk level. As for the short leaf pine, it's most prone to beetle attacks.
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