Bronson Releases PSA Warning Of Possible Infestations In Firewood
For Information, Contact:
Denise Feiber, FDACS/DPI
(352) 372-3505 ext. 102
cell: (352) 235-0036
Denise.Feiber@freshfromflorida.com
July 28, 2008
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is warning the public that firewood can contain destructive pests and diseases and is urging people to take steps to reduce the chance of an infestation.
Bronson’s Division of Plant Industry has posted a public service announcement about preventing the introduction of destructive beetles and other insects into Florida in infested firewood on its website at www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/videos.html. The pests can wreak havoc on many types of trees and other foliage.
Bronson says many residents and tourists use firewood for campfires, even during the summer, and they need to be aware of the potential problems. Several species of destructive wood boring beetles and diseases can inhabit popular firewood varieties. Numerous other states are battling insects and diseases and he is concerned that out-of-state campers will bring their own firewood to Florida, or people will move potentially infested firewood from one area of the state to another. Any wood boring beetles and diseases that may have come along for the ride could infest Florida plants and trees.
For example, an Asian longhorned beetle infestation has resulted in the destruction of thousands of maple, elm and other trees in New York and Chicago; and, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and other states.
“It costs millions of dollars to try and eradicate these pests, not to mention the tremendous loss of so many trees,” Bronson said. “The impact on the environment can be significant and we need to do everything possible to protect our trees.”
Most recently, a fungus that causes a fatal disease called laurel wilt threatens Florida forests. A non-native insect, the red bay ambrosia beetle, spreads the fungus. Laurel wilt disease kills red bays, sassafras and pond spice, and even attacks one of Florida’s most important fruit trees, the avocado. Laurel wilt spread into Florida after wood packing material infested with red bay ambrosia beetles was found in Savannah, GA.
Dutch elm disease is another serious problem spreading across North America. A fungus transmitted by two species of bark beetles causes the disease and has destroyed over half the elm trees in the northern United Sates. The fungus has not yet been found in Florida.
Invasive pests and diseases arrive in Florida each year at a rate of at least one new significant pest a month – they come in on cargo shipments, storm fronts, infected plant material, in the luggage of millions of visitors to Florida and, of course in firewood.
There are ways Floridians can protect against the introduction of invasive pests and diseases:
- Be vigilant - if you see signs of disease or an unusual pest, contact your county extension office or the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services’ Division of Plant Industry helpline at 888-397-1517.
- Don’t pack a pest. When returning home to Florida from a trip, don’t bring plants, fruits, vegetables or illegal animals, and
- Purchase only certified plants from registered nurseries to ensure they are free of pests and diseases.
Prevent the introduction and/or spread of unwanted insects and diseases specifically involving firewood by following these simple recommendations:
- Use sources of firewood that are local (within 50 miles) to the area of your campground.
- Do not move firewood from one part of Florida to another.
- Burn all firewood (local or out-of-state firewood) before leaving your campground.
- If you are unable to burn all the firewood due to weather, fire ban or other reasons, and you either live in the same area of the state (within 50 miles) as the campground, or are visiting from out of state, please take the firewood home.
- However, if you live in another area of Florida, please leave the firewood at your campground. This will help prevent the movement of pests and diseases from one part of Florida to another.
If you have questions about these recommendations, contact 888-397-1517.
The Department conducts surveying and trapping activities for the early detection of unwanted plant pests and diseases. For more information visit www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/.
View the public service announcement on preventing the introduction of infested firewood at www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/videos.html
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