Beetles detected in Butler Co. cause walnut trees to die

Signs of Thousand Cankers Disease

— Thinning crowns

— Yellowing or wilted leaves in the crown

— Leaves that appear smaller than normal

— Limbs that died recently

Walnut Twig Beetles have been detected in Butler County.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has announced the small beetle carries a fungus that causes Thousand Cankers Disease, which threatens the health of walnut trees.

The beetles were 9 of 26 found in ODA traps set throughout the area. Officials have quarantines walnut products that have the potential to spread the pest, according to a release.

The beetles carry a fungus that spreads TCD into the branches and trunk tissue of walnut trees. Trees become infected and die.

Officials said there is no cure for TCD, which was discovered in 2003 in Colorado and has been detected in 13 other states.