Key Takeaways:
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has activated the Biosecurity Enforcement Division to address a growing Red Flour Beetle infestation in Socorro, Texas.
- The outbreak, linked to the spreading of nut hull material, has raised concerns in El Paso County, prompting an aggressive eradication plan.
- TDA’s response includes homeowner recommendations, city-level legislative proposals, and fines for non-compliance.
- TDA will coordinate with Texas A&M AgriLife to ensure effective eradication of the pest.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has activated its Biosecurity Enforcement Division in response to an infestation of the Red Flour Beetle in Socorro, Texas. The outbreak, attributed to the widespread distribution of nut hull material in the area, has raised concerns among local residents and surrounding communities in El Paso County. In response, TDA is rolling out an aggressive eradication plan aimed at controlling and eliminating the beetle population.
Homeowner Actions to Prevent Spread
Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of homeowner participation in managing the infestation. Residents are encouraged to eliminate food sources for the beetles inside their homes, as the Red Flour Beetle is known for feeding on grains and other stored food products. Homeowners should consider treating their households or hiring licensed Structural Pest Control Applicators to manage the infestation. TDA has made resources available, including a list of licensed applicators and products approved for use against the beetle, which can be accessed through the TDA’s Pesticide Product Registration Program.
Additional steps for homeowners include removing any mulch containing nut hulls from around their properties and adopting an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to reduce and eliminate the beetles. For any further questions, residents are encouraged to contact TDA’s Biosecurity Enforcement Division Response Team.
TDA’s Eradication Response
To combat the infestation, TDA is working with local officials to pass ordinances or regulations requiring the treatment of pecan and nut piles within city limits. Additionally, the department plans to recommend new legislation mandating that all nutshell material be properly fumigated or treated before being exposed to the public.
Under Chapter 71 of the Texas Agricultural Code, TDA has the authority to assess fines ranging from $250 to $10,000 per violation. Each day a violation continues may be considered a separate offense, adding to the urgency of compliance.
The Biosecurity Enforcement Division Response Team has been activated to conduct visual inspections and assessments across affected areas. The team will scout for potential sources of Red Flour Beetles, including piles of nut materials. Furthermore, they will collaborate with stakeholders and government officials at the city, county, and state levels to address concerns and implement effective measures.
As part of the eradication effort, TDA has requested the immediate cessation of nut hull material spreading on roads and other surfaces to prevent further spread of the beetles. The Biosecurity Enforcement Division will also coordinate efforts with Texas A&M AgriLife to ensure that all actions taken are thorough and effective.
Legislative and Community Coordination
In addition to immediate eradication efforts, TDA is focused on working closely with local governments and legislative bodies to ensure long-term control of the Red Flour Beetle population. Commissioner Miller’s team is actively engaging with city officials to pass ordinances that would enforce the treatment of potential beetle breeding grounds, including pecan and nut piles within the city.
By combining these regulatory measures with coordinated efforts across various levels of government and agricultural expertise, TDA aims to bring the Red Flour Beetle infestation under control and mitigate its impact on local communities.
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