Invasive Insects

Every phase of forest development involves forest health, including the proper establishment of appropriate, healthy trees on productive sites; cultural practices that favor vigorous growth of the best trees; reduction of losses to pest organisms; and well planned, careful harvesting that protects standing trees from injury and maintains the integrity of riparian areas. Learn more about the Forest Health Program.

• Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab

Insect Identifcation and Information Sources

• Insect Identification - resources available from Virginia Tech
• Control of Low-Level Nantucket Pine Tip Moth Populations: A Cost-Benefit Analysis ( PDF format)
• The Bugwood Network offers links to many insect information sources by state and federal agencies.

Emerald Ash Borer

• Introduction to the emerald ash borer [StoryMap]
• Learn more about our emerald ash borer program [StoryMap]
• Emerald Ash Borer Cost-Share Program
• Emerald Ash Borer - Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan.
• Emerald Ash Borer - Options for Landowners

Gypsy Moth

• Defoliation due to the gypsy moth in the United States regularly approaches two million acres annually. This Virginia Tech website provides comprehensive information on the gypsy moth.
• Gypsy moth defoliation in Virginia:
• Statewide Defoliation Data: This chart shows defoliation acres by county in Virginia.
• Annual Data: 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

Pine Bark Beetle

• Pine Bark Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program
• Protect Your Pine Forest - Bark Beetle Cost-share Options for Landowners. (PDF format)
• Southern Pine Beetle
• Southern Pine Beetle Internet Control Center (SPBICC).
• USFS ceremony in Virginia to celebrate a milestone with the SPB Prevention Program. http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/spb/ 

Walnut Thousand Canker Disease

• Though not currently in Virginia, this article on Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) was submitted for inclusion on our site by the author. Thousand Cankers Disease: A Red Alert for Walnut

Don't Move Firewood

Insects can cause damage to healthy trees by feeding on their leaves or boring into their trunks. The threat insects pose continues with their larvae, which can be transported to new locations through firewood. In this way, areas that may not have been infected by insects can have a new infestation. Several information campaigns let the public know about the dangers of moving firewood.

• Don't Move Firewood brochure (PDF format)
• Don't Move Firewood brochure (Spanish, PDF format)
• Don't Move Firewood flier (PDF format)
• “www.dontmovefirewood.org” - website from the Nature Conservancy.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) currently has a statewide quarantine meaning people should not take infested firewood across state borders without a proper permit.

Last modified: Wednesday, 01-Apr-2020 16:52:10 EDT