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Firewood can contain destructive pests and
diseases and vacationing Floridians are urged to take steps to
reduce the chance of an accidental infestation.
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 the
concern is 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.
Florida's Division of Plant Industry has
posted a video about preventing the introduction of destructive
beetles and other insects into Florida in infested firewood on its
web site at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/videos.html . The pests
can wreak havoc on many types of trees and other foliage.
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," Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles
H. 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 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 and Consumer Services,
Division of Plant Industry, helpline at 1-888-397-1517.
-- Don't pack a pest. When returning home
to Florida from a trip, don't bring plants, fruits, vegetables or
illegal animals.
-- 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, call 1-888-397-1517.
The Department conducts surveying and
trapping activities for the early detection of unwanted plant pests
and diseases. For more information, visit
http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi .
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