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Management Options

Researchers are testing several management tactics for goldspotted oak borer (GSOB) in Southern California. The following management options are provided based on current GSOB research findings. With more than a million acres of susceptible oaks in Southern California and millions more acres throughout the state, communities are encouraged to work collectively to develop prevention, monitoring, and response plans before GSOB strikes. Learn more here about guidelines for strategic action before GSOB strikes your community.

Infested Live Trees

Dying Oaks
Chemical treatment is only appropriate to control low-level infestations in lightly damaged, high-value trees, or to prevent infestation of uninfested trees. Treating a heavily infested tree that has already sustained significant damage is not recommended. Such trees with moderate to severe damage should be removed and their wood treated to prevent GSOB spread, as it is unlikely the tree will be saved.

Insecticide products most likely to control GSOB are not available to typical consumers and can only be applied by state-licensed and county-registered pesticide applicators (Qualified Applicator License and Qualified Applicator Certificate). Property owners should hire a pest control professional who has experience treating GSOB and other infestations in large oak trees.

For more information, refer to these resources from the University of California Integrated Pest Management program:

Infested Dead and Downed Trees

Dead Oak Trees
GSOB larvae continue to develop in infested, dying, and dead trees with green wood. including logs and firewood from recently killed trees. It is important to properly manage oak firewood harboring GSOB to limit the pest's spread. Do not remove oak firewood from local infested areas to prevent the potential spread of GSOB in new areas. Without treatment, larvae in the cut wood continue to be a threat to other susceptible oaks.
 
Treatment options for infested wood:

Find A Licensed or Certified Pest Control Professional

Disclaimer: These tips do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any company on the list.

Tools and trade societies to help you find a licensed (QAL) or certified (QAC) pest control professional in your area:

Questions to ask a pest control professional you are considering:

  • "Have you ever attended a training on goldspotted oak borer?"
  • "What chemical product do you use to control goldspotted oak borer? What is the severity of this infestation, and what treatment method do you recommend?"

Find An Arborist

Disclaimer: These tips do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any company on the list.

Tools and trade societies to help you find a licensed arborist in your area:

Questions to ask an arborist you are considering:

  • "Have you ever attended a training on goldspotted oak borer?"
  • "What wood management methods do you use to ensure that goldspotted oak borer is not spread?"

Your local telephone directory may also provide listings for arborists and local tree care specialists.

Other Options

Heat treatment of infested wood material at 160°F for a minimum of 75 minutes in an automated wood-drying kiln has been shown to eliminate many insects and diseases from firewood.  These kilns have the capability of measuring and recording temperature and duration well inside a pile of wood. Research is still underway to confirm that this temperature and time standard will kill GSOB, and no solid management conclusions have yet been drawn.
 
Cooperating agencies are investigating other methods for managing GSOB-infested wood. Researchers continue to investigate tub grinding strategies and bio-fuel/co-generation facilities.
 
Information will be posted on this webpage as new authorized options become available.