Recap of July 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector
Oak trees play a vital role in our ecosystems, providing food, shelter, and beauty across the globe. In the United States, there are about 90 native oak species, with 24 found right here in Florida. With such wide distribution, especially in the Eastern U.S., protecting oaks from invasive pests and diseases is more important than ever.
In our June First Friday webinar, we explored the many threats oaks face from invasive insects and pathogens. We talked about two defoliating moths, the flighted spongy moth (Lymantria dispar asiatica) and the oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea). Both species can strip trees of their leaves rapidly when populations are high. Repeated defoliation stresses trees and makes them more vulnerable to other pests and diseases.
We also covered several wood boring insects, some of which you may remember from previous webinars this year. We talked about tremex wood wasp (Tremex fuscicornis), oak splendor beetle (Agrilus biguttatus), and oak ambrosia beetle (Platypus quercivorus) this month. These insects bore into tree trunks, where their larvae create damaging tunnels. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and even tree girdling. The oak ambrosia beetle is especially dangerous, as it also carries the fungus Raffaelea quercivora, which causes Japanese oak wilt.
In addition to insects, we talked a little about invasive oak pathogens this month. Plant diseases are often difficult to manage, especially once a tree is infected. Chemical treatments are limited, and in many cases, only preventive strategies are effective. Infected trees may need to be removed to stop the spread. We’re especially concerned about Japanese oak wilt, oak decline, and sudden oak death. Early detection and prevention are key. Monitoring for signs of infection helps us stop these pathogens before they become widespread.
If you notice unusual symptoms on oak trees, contact your local county extension office. Experts can help identify potential pests or pathogens and recommend the best course of action. Together, we can protect our oak trees, whether in forests, parks, or our own backyards!
Resources on Oaks and More
USDA-APHIS Spongy Moth Info
USDA-APHIS Sudden Oak Death Info
CABI Factsheet on Oak Ambrosia Beetle
UF IFAS Guide to Florida’s Common Bark and Ambrosia Beetles
Ask IFAS: Oaks Resources
Key Pests and Pathogens of Oaks in FL
Want to watch the recording?
What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2025. Maybe longer too! Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept. 2024-2025. We also just launched the agenda for Sept. 2025-2026, so you can check out that schedule here.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website
The post July 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
Recap of July 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector Oak trees play a vital role in our ecosystems, providing food, shelter, and beauty across the globe. In the United States, there are about 90 native oak species, with 24 found right here in Florida. With such wide distribution, especially in the Eastern U.S., protecting
The post July 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
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Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
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