Georgia Notes Pine Beetle Impact Survey

Keeping track of Southern pine beetle (SPB) infestations and potential and projected impacts, the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) combines field data with aerial surveys and trapping to project areas of concern each year.

Judging from the results gathered from special traps hung in 50 locations statewide this spring, GFC officials say heightened activity can be expected in the Piedmont, mostly central, region of Georgia in 2024. Five counties have high probability (more than 50%) of SPB spots, including Greene, Jasper, Jones, and Oglethorpe counties. Putnam County has the greatest possibility of SPB spots. Activity is expected to be low in the southern region and moderate in the western and north Georgia regions.