San José is facing a serious threat to its trees from the invasive shothole borer, a tiny beetle confirmed by the Santa Clara Division of Agriculture. This beetle has a preference for over 65 species of California trees, boring into them and spreading a damaging fungus that can kill the trees by disrupting their ability to transport water and nutrients. Although the beetle's arrival timeline is unclear, it likely has been causing damage for years before being detected, according to the County of Santa Clara.
The shothole borer is small but has a huge impact. Surveillance efforts are now being intensified to assess the scale of the infestation in San José. The beetle's presence has been an issue across Southern California, affecting various tree species like avocado and box elder. The focus in San José is now on managing the problem, as complete eradication seems unlikely.
The County of Santa Clara is calling on the public to help identify infested trees by looking for signs such as tiny round holes, stained bark, or sawdust-like material. If such signs are found, residents are urged to contact the Division of Agriculture immediately. Proper handling of infested wood is crucial to prevent further spread, and professional help is recommended for dealing with affected trees.
