JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) - The Mississippi Forestry Commission reports the southern pine beetle outbreak to hit Mississippi has doubled in size.

Officials are urging landowners in Franklin, Amite, Wilkinson, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln and Copiah Counties to check for the beetles.

The beetles bore themselves into living pine trees and can kill them if not exterminated.

Officials from the forestry commission say, the Homochitto National Forest found 500 active infestations with 160 other infestations found on private and school properties.

Several spots are rapidly expanding.

Officials say, the pine beetle epidemic occurs about every 15 years and can last three to five years