Gold Spotted Oak Borer

The Gold Spotted Oak Borer (GSOB) is a recently discovered insect that has been decimating some coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia) and California black oak (Quercus kelloggii) stands in Southern California, so far exclusively in San Diego County. It is believed that this non-native insect arrived in California during the last two decades, likely from firewood transported to the state from Arizona or Mexico where GSOB is known to live. The University is currently involved in a large educational effort to make the state’s residents understand the threat this insect poses and to advise them on how they can help contain this outbreak. One critical factor in containing the spead of GSOB is to NOT MOVE FIREWOOD from infected areas so UC and others are embarking on a large education effort to get this message out.

To the right are some links to information about upcoming GSOB Workshops, publications related to this new, but potentially devastating pest, as well as several web sites that contain additional informa tion about GSOB.

Gold Spotted Borer Info [FREE]

GSOB Field Identification Guide [FREE]

Upcoming GSOB Workshops and Trainings

UC GSOB WEB SITE

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST WEB SITE

USDA FOREST SERVICE FOREST HEALTH PROTECTION WEB SITE