Richardson Rutter-Reese

Local crepe myrtles have been home to a nasty infestation that has only been spreading. The pests are known as Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale. These pests invade the tree, and suck out tree sap. After the pests eat, mold grows on their secretions. This mold creates a layer over the tree, which slows the process of photosynthesis. Given enough time untreated, the tree will die.

On February 19, the city of Texarkana decided enough was enough. With the help of students at A&M – Texarkana and a few residents, the city tackled its infestation problem downtown. On a breezy Friday morning students showed up ready to clean their city. After a little instruction by a wildlife representative, students got to cleaning. All it took was warm water, some dawn dish soap, and willing volunteers. Over the course of two hours, trees were giving a bath, and got cleansed of their scales and mold.

Although downtown Texarkana trees were washed, the problem is not over. The Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale is an invasive species, and since it was first spotted in Dallas in 2004, it has spread over Texas, and to other states in Louisiana, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. The most active time for the species is in the summer time, so it is important to inspect any Crepe Myrtles before the have an opportunity to hatch and reproduce. It is recommended to give Crepe Myrtles at least one cleaning a year. This will not only keep local trees infestation free, but slow the spread of the infestation to other areas.

Organizations represented are, Phi Lambda Chi Fraternity, Omega Delta Chi Sorority, and the Student Government Association.

Left to right is Erin Beach, Ruth Kliewer, Bryan Huynh, Michael Canales, Alex Claiborne, Kacie Gray, Emily Rios-Rojas, Elizabeth Vargas, Braxton Wood, Aaron Harp, Austin Greig, and Heath Coston.