Exotic and Invasive Species
What to Know About the Goldspotted Oak Borer
Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB)- Agrilus auroguttatus is an invasive pest contributing to the on-going oak tree mortality occurring across San Diego, Riverside and Orange Counties. First discovered in San Diego in 2004 by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the Goldspotted Oak Borer prey on drought-stricken trees with lowered immunity, where they begin to feed under the bark. The GSOB burrows deep in the core of the tree, laying larve, cutting off water supply, and attacking one branch at a time until the tree is completely dead. Trees that have been infected to the point of death are safety hazards for passers by, since they are unstable and likely to fall at anytime.
Goldspotted Oak Borer Symptoms Reporting Form
| Color | Size | Known Host | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black or iridescent green with golden yellow spots | About 10mm long and 2mm wide with a bullet-shaped body | Coast Live Oak, California Black Oak, and Canyon Live Oak | Does not travel far on its own, typically is transported to new areas through infected firewood |
How to Recognize Infected Wood
Crown thinning and dying branches are usually an initial indicator of moderate to severe infestation. A healthy Oak will exhibit full thick leaves at the top, but as infestation occurs and progresses, branches and leaves will begin to die and thin. Unlike some other wood-boring Agrilus species, GSOB does not attack the upper branches in the crown during the early stages of infestation. The GSOB adult emergence holes(approximately 0.15 inches in diameter) can appear before any other injury symptoms are observed, providing for early diagnosis. As many as 70 percent of the oak trees in these areas are thought to be infested. Evidence of insect attacks on oak trees can also be detected by:
- The presence of the insects under the bark
- D-shaped exit holes
- Woodpecker foraging (typically to eat GSOB located under the bark)
- Dark colored wet staining or red bleeding
- Crown color of tree from dark green (healthy) to grayish green (severely injured)
- For more info check out the GSOB Identification Guide
- Goldspotted Oak Borer (GSOB) Teacher Reading [PDF 2.77 MB]
How to Stop the Spread of Infestation
Research efforts are directed at assessing the oak borer’s current distribution and life cycle in southern California, effective survey techniques, treatment options for high-value trees, factors enhancing tree susceptibility, and firewood management. What is currently known about them is that they remain in a localized area jumping tree to tree but do not travel long distances on their own. This means that their relocation relies on the transportation of their species through firewood. The Forest Service is requesting that recreational users do not transport firewood from the location or purchase or procurement, but instead to "Burn it where you buy it" and keep the wood (and the pest) localized.
How to Protect Your Oaks
Drought-striken and stressed trees are increasingly vulnerable to the GSOB infestation, and with weakened immune systems trees are unable to produce the sap required to fend off invasion. If possible, keep your oaks hydrated, or consider applying a pesticide. A contact insecticide applied to the main stem and to the larger branches (>8 inches in diameter) is the best option for preventing GSOB injury. Contact spray applications should occur in May prior to the adult flight period in southern California and be re-applied annually by a certified pesticide applicator. Avoid bringing wood on your property that has been purchased in other locations as any close proximity within half mile can affect the oaks. If you must bring in firewood, be sure to ask the vendor where they obtained the wood and inspect it for signs of infestation.
What to do if Your Wood is Infected
If you suspect that you have found signs of GSOB or symptoms of its damage on your property, please contact the University of California's Cooperative Extension Office, the County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office (Riverside County or San Bernardino County), directly to the San Bernardnino National Forest, your local Forest Health Protection representative.
Additional Resources can be found at:
Goldspotted Oak Borer Management Project
The project would monitor oak habitat deemed most susceptible to infestation from the goldspotted oak borer. Oaks found to be infested would be treated on an individual tree by tree basis on up to 2800 acres across the Forest.
Wild Spotter - Detecting and Reporting Invasive Species
Engaging and empowering the public to help find, map, and prevent invasive species in America's wilderness areas, wild rivers, and other natural areas.
Firewood Movement: Buy It Where You Burn It!
Don't move firewood!
The movement of firewood can be a source of introduction and dissemination of invasive forest insects and diseases into and around the United States. Pests such as the Asian longhorned beetle and emerald ash borer are established in other states and would cause great harm if they became established in California. The gold spotted oak borer, sudden oak death, and pitch canker are invasive pests that are established in parts of California and would cause additional harm if they became established in other parts of the state. Resource management professionals and scientists recognize that transport of firewood is one of the principal means by which many invasive pests are spread from one area to another.
Major Forest Insect and Disease Conditions in the U.S.
This annual report details impacts on forests from various insects and diseases. Compiled by Forest Health Protection staff, the report contains maps of damage (mortality and defoliation) and discusses recent trends in monitoring and management of forest pests.