September 8, 2009

Fight beetle infestation by not moving oak wood

By Mike Lee
Union-Tribune Staff Writer

Federal forest officials are asking residents to avoid moving oakwood around the county as part of their efforts to slow the spread of atree-killing bug.

The gold-spotted oak borer is a recently detected pest that invadesCalifornia black oaks, coast live oaks and canyon live oaks in SouthernCalifornia. It's believed to be responsible for the deaths of 17,000trees in San Diego County.

Foresters haven't found a way to contain the beetle. They urgedpeople to help limit the insect's movement by using local sources offirewood instead of taking oak firewood into or out of campgrounds andparks. They also asked that people leave unburned wood on-site insteadof taking it home.

Not transporting oak firewood is important because the oak borertypically lays its eggs in bark crevices, the U.S. Forest Service said.

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Mike Lee: (619) 542-4570;

Related Terms: San Diego County