Texas A&M Forest Service is urging all Texans, especially outdoor enthusiasts, to take preventive measures in order to reduce the spread of oak wilt and invasive insects. Travelers heading out for hunting or camping trips may unknowingly transport harmful pests and diseases if they bring firewood with them.
Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator, emphasized the threat, saying, "Many devastating, tree-killing pests present in Texas forests live and breed inside firewood." Some of these wood borers, such as the invasive emerald ash borer and redbay ambrosia beetle, have already caused extensive damage by wiping out entire tree species in various regions of the country.
The emerald ash borer, currently present in North Texas, has already killed millions of ash trees across the eastern U.S. The redbay ambrosia beetle is gradually spreading west from the southeast, destroying redbay and sassafras trees in its path. Native pathogens like oak wilt have caused an epidemic of oak tree deaths in Central Texas.
The introduction of these invasive insects is often linked to the transportation of firewood. Since insects like the emerald ash borer don't naturally travel long distances, firewood is presumed to be the source of their introduction in Texas, which has intensified their rapid spread in recent years. The emerald ash borer has been detected in 14 Texas counties since its introduction, making it crucial for firewood users to exercise extreme caution.
Forest pests and diseases can have significant ecological and economic impacts. While they can spread on their own, accidental transport by humans is a major factor in their long-distance movement. Firewood is a common vehicle for these pests, even if it appears clean and healthy, as it may still contain insect eggs or fungal spores that can trigger new infestations.
Demian Gomez emphasized the need for caution, stating, "We can limit the spread of invasive tree pests. The best rule of thumb is to burn the firewood near where it's bought or picked up. Moving firewood can easily introduce insects and diseases to new areas, particularly during hunting and camping seasons."
The risk of diseases like oak wilt spreading is particularly critical. Transporting and storing infected wood from red oaks can spread oak wilt fungal spores to previously uninfected areas. Live oaks, known for growing in dense groups, can quickly become affected, leading to large patches of dead and dying trees.
Even if firewood is seasoned for one to two years, it should not be transported, as it can still spread diseases and insects.
While firewood is an essential commodity during the fall and winter, Texans are encouraged to purchase, collect, and burn firewood locally to help prevent the spread of these destructive pests and diseases.
