Native and Non-Native Wood Boring Insects

Instructors: Bill McRight, Madeline Erickson, Matthew Thorn

Insect Identification. This presentation is a brief overview of basic identification of insects that are common to our environment. This course outlines the distinguishing physical and behavioral characteristics of several orders of insects.

Native Wood Boring Insects. In recent decades, North American forests have come under threat from many types of invaders, ranging from insects and invasive plants to changing climatic conditions. Insects are quickly becoming one of the biggest threats to our forests, causing millions of dollars in lost timber revenue and severe ecological damage. In some of these cases, the insects in question are non-native species, introduced either on purpose or accidentally over the years. In other cases, the damage is caused by native wood boring insects and is often as destructive, if not more so.

Non-Native Woodborers. As of 1994, nearly 2,000 non-native insects have been introduced into the U.S. This course details those causing serious damage: Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Long-horned Beetle, Redbay Ambrosia Beetle, and Laurel Wilt. Students will learn prevention techniques and best practices in order to control these invasive woodborers.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

• Describe different types of invasive wood borers, and the damage caused by each.
• Outline specific preventative techniques for each of the invasive woodborers.
• Monitor and control pests through cultural, biological, mechanical, chemical, genetic, and host plant resistance methods.
• Identify the characteristic differences between arthropods and insects, and the stages of metamorphosis.
• Distinguish between insect orders odonata, orthoptera and isoptera pests.
• Identify the differences between insect orders hemiptera, coleopteran, hymenoptera, lepidoptera, and diptera.