Forest expert Kim Corella discusses new threat to our Conejo Valley oaks—see her recorded presentation
Kim Corella warns about the impact of the goldspotted oak borer.
Kim Corella, who is Cal Fire’s Forest Pathologist with the Forest Entomology and Pathology Program for Southern California, addressed what could be a slow-moving disaster for our Coast Live Oaks in her Speaker Series talk “Oaks in Peril” on April 16. Having served with Cal Fire for the past 17 years, Corella has witnessed the goldspotted oak borer’s path of destruction creep up the coast since its arrival in San Diego County with infested firewood several decades ago. Scroll down to watch the video recording of her presentation.
The goldspotted oak borer, known as GSOB, attacks healthy, well-watered, mature Coast Live Oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and California Black Oaks (Quercus kelloggii)—a behavior that distinguishes it from other tree pests, which generally prey on drought- or otherwise stressed trees. The hallmarks of a GSOB infestation include:
- Crown dieback. Branches or sections of the tree die for no apparent reason;
- Browning of leaves in sections or all over the tree. The leaves die, but don’t necessarily drop off;
- Weeping and staining along the trunk;
- Woodpecker activity. This indicates you should take a close look at your oaks, although the birds may be hunting other types of insects.
Right now. the closest known infestation to the Conejo Valley is an oak that was identified and removed in the Box Canyon area in October, 2024. Corella emphasized that infested wood needs to be handled carefully, since the GSOB larvae can live in the bark up for to 2 years after the tree’s death. The transport of oak firewood is the primary way the pests move around, since they are weak fliers and can’t make it more than a mile on their own. Corella emphasizes the critical importance of the “Buy It Where You Burn It” message.
Corella encouraged the audience to learn more about identifying GSOB and provided information about how to report suspected infestations. See details below.
The Video Recording.
Resources
To learn more and to report suspected infestations: GSOB.org.
For more information about responsible firewood practices and to connect with Firewood Scout: Firewood Task Force.
To contact Kim Corella for more information:
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