MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – An invasive beetle species that threatens numerous types of hardwood trees, which can also cause them to be safety hazards, was found on Aug. 24 in Mount Pleasant, Clemson University officials said Wednesday.

Two off-duty Clemson University Department of Plant Industry (DPI) found the infestation of Asian longhorned beetles after noticing insect damage to some maple trees that were on the grounds of a commercial shopping center in town.

An official quarantine area is expected to be announced in the coming weeks as Clemson DPI and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant and Animal Inspection work together to uncover the extent of the infestation, according to the university.

All area residents, arborists, construction site contractors, and debris management

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