About
Invasive tree pests are threatening the integrity of the urban forest in Southern California. Particularly, two species of invasive beetles (the invasive shot-hole borers and the gold-spotted oak borer) are affecting thousands of trees in urban landscapes and adjacent natural areas. The Urban Forestry program aims to prevent pest problems and control current infestations in Orange County. We also collaborate with other counties in an effort to stop the spread of these dangerous pests to new uninfested areas.
We provide guidance to public and private entities on how to implement integrated pest management programs to deal with tree pests. We work together with landscape managers to find solutions that minimize the use of pesticides while providing effective management.
Helpful Resources
Fire in California Resources
https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire
Integrated Pest Management
http://ipm.ucanr.edu
Free Invasive Shot-Hole Borer Online Course
https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=1704
Tree Pest Hotline
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Invasive Shot Hole Borer (ISHB)
Two closely related species of small, non-native beetles and the fungi they carry pose an imminent threat to millions of trees in Southern California. Invasive shot hole borers (ISHB) attack a wide variety of tree species including commercial avocado groves, common landscape trees and native species in urban and wildland environments.
These beetles tunnel into tree trunks and branches creating channels called galleries. In the process, they introduce fungi that grow in the galleries and later serve as the food source for ISHB larva. The fungi also destroy the food and water conducting systems of the tree, eventually causing stress, dieback and ultimately death of the tree.
For more information about invasive shot hole borers, please visit ishb.org.
