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Socorro council adopts ordinance regulating pecan shells, almond hulls after beetle infestation
Summary
The Socorro City Council adopted an ordinance regulating the use, treatment and disposal of pecan shells, almond hulls and similar materials after staff described a 2024 infestation of the red flower beetle. Council members emphasized public education and grandfathering of existing landscaping.
The Socorro City Council on second reading adopted an ordinance regulating the use, treatment and disposal of pecan shells, almond hulls and similar materials to prevent pest infestations and to provide penalties for noncompliance.
City Deputy Manager Victor Perez told the council the measure follows an outbreak in summer 2024, when “the city of Socorro experienced an infestation of the red flower beetle” that officials said was drawn by pecan-shell ground cover and that led to beetles appearing in homes and businesses. Perez said the city and partners — including Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, El Paso County, the Texas Department of Agriculture and El Paso Water — developed a three-pronged response of outreach, public meetings and distribution of household insecticide.
The ordinance extends beyond pecan shells to “similar materials” and rodent-related concerns, and makes violations a misdemeanor punishable by a fine. Perez told the council that, as written, a violation “becomes a misdemeanor offense, with a possible fine of up to $500 per occurrence.”
Why it matters: Council members pressed for clear public notice and an educational period before enforcement. Councilmember Ruben Reyes said it is “very important to let the public know” because many residents do not follow council business or social media, and urged outreach beyond online posts. Perez and council members discussed using the recreation department, the city website and potential inserts with local water districts to expand outreach.
Council members also asked about homeowners who already use pecan shells as landscaping. Perez said existing uses will be grandfathered: properties that “were already in possession of those pecan shells as ground cover before this takes place” will not be cited under the new ordinance.
The ordinance passed on second reading after a motion and second; the record shows a voice vote and the mayor declared the motion passed. The transcript does not record individual roll-call tallies.
The council directed staff to lead public outreach and to post information on city channels; no additional enforcement timetable was specified in the meeting record.
