Rabun County tops 2019 Georgia Southern Pine Beetle Prediction Survey

The Georgia Forestry Commission reports that the 2019 Georgia Southern Pine Beetle Survey is now available online.  The Georgia Forestry Commission participates annually in the southern pine beetle prediction trapping program. Southern pine beetles are the most destructive forest pests in the southeastern states. Survey results are documented in the report so that activity and damage levels can be anticipated and mitigated. The results from the 2019 survey predict that overall southern pine beetle activity will be low across the state; however, Rabun County has the highest probability of having southern pine beetles in the state.  Habersham, Jasper, Jones, and Putnam counties have the next highest probability of having southern pine beetles. These prediction models help guide landowners in management decisions. They do not guarantee that outbreaks will or will not occur on their property. The best advice is for landowners to manage for healthy forests with techniques such as thinning, prescribed burning and invasive species control.