- Author: Tunyalee A. Martin
During California Invasive Species Action Week (June 2 – June 10), we highlighted several pests, but there are many more invasive species out there. Now that you know about them, share your knowledge of invasive species with others. And no matter what your summer plans, here are some things YOU can do about invasive species from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Food and Agriculture.
YOU: I'M TRAVELING TO AMAZING PLACES
- Learn what plants and animals you can bring into California.
Shot hole borers are tiny insects the size of a sesame seed that don't look particularly harmful, but don't let their diminutive size fool you. Two of these borers are invasive—the polyphagous shot hole borer and the Kuroshio shot hole borer. They carry pathogens and are spreading them throughout southern California. Together, the borers and the fungi are a deadly combination that are killing many trees. Trees affected include avocado, sycamore, white alder, box elder, cottonwood, and willow.
The two shot hole borers are nearly identical in appearance, and both have a symbiotic relationship with several pathogenic fungi. The female borers lay eggs which introduces fungi into trees. The fungi grow and provide food for...
It's National Invasive Species Week (February 27-March 3), which may prompt the question, “what exactly is an invasive species?” A truly invasive species is a non-native plant, animal or pathogen that causes or may cause economic problems, or threaten the environment or human health.
Why should this matter to you? Every 60 days, our state gains a new and potentially damaging invasive species. Because the things you do can directly impact the environment and economy of California, here are the top 10 ways:
- Learn about the invasive species that live in your region. Check with your county agricultural extension...
If you plan to camp this summer, remember to wait until you arrive at your destination before you purchase firewood. Why?
If you bring your own firewood to a campground, you could unknowingly spread invasive pests and diseases that can harm local trees. New infestations of tree-killing insects and diseases are often found in campgrounds and parks as a result of campers moving firewood.
Once you arrive at your destination, pests can emerge from the firewood and spread to the trees and forests where you camp. Invasive and hard-to-control pests kill several million native trees every year, causing environmental and economic problems.
Ways You Can Help
- Buy it where you burn it! Purchase firewood...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
As you plan the last few camping trips of the summer, remember: buy firewood when you get to your destination. Don't move firewood! Buy it where you burn it.
Why?
Simply, we don't want wood-boring pests and diseases to be moved from one area in the state to another area where they don't exist. Buy wood where you intend to burn it and don't bring any wood home with you upon your return.
Several beetles that bore into trees such as the gold-spotted oak borer, polyphagus shothole borer, walnut twig beetle, and others may be present in the wood you gather or buy in your area. If you buy or gather wood and then take it with you to another...