Sirex Woodwasp (Sirex noctilio)
SPECIES UPDATE
Photos
Description
What does Sirex woodwasp look like? Learn here.
Pest Overview
Sirex woodwasp, Sirex noctilio, is an exotic wood-boring insect native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. This insect has been the most common species of exotic woodwasp detected at United States ports-of-entry associated with solid wood packing materials. Recent detections of Sirex woodwasp outside of port areas in the United States have raised concerns because this insect has the potential to cause significant impacts on southern and western pines. In the northeast, it has most commonly attacked stressed Scots pine and red pine, but has infested eastern white pine as well.
Sirex woodwasp was first discovered in the United States in 2002, in Indiana. In 2007, a single adult was trapped in Vermont in Lamoille County. In 2010 another single adult wasp was trapped in Chittenden County. Sirex woodwasp has also been positively confirmed in several northeastern states and southern Ontario. Based on its native range in Europe and Asia, it could establish itself in any climate zone of North America where pine occurs.
What's being done about it?
Forest products industries in some areas are receiving recommendations to minimize accidental transport of the pest out of infested areas. A state quarantine is in place that restricts the movement of pine products into North Carolina. A nematode that attacks Sirex woodwasp larvae is being investigated for biological control.
What are we doing in Vermont?
The Agency of Agriculture Food, and Markets and USDA APHIS conduct detection surveys in high risk areas.
Understanding the biology of sirex woodwasp can assist with identification and managment.
Help find sirex woodwasp by learning the signs and symptoms it causes to pine trees.
Recommendations
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Examine Scots, red and Eastern white pine trees for wilting, discolored foliage, resin beads or dribbles at egg laying sites, larval galleries tightly packed with very fine sawdust, and round exit holes 1/8 to 3/8 inch in diameter.
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Thin pine stands to maintain optimal stocking. Sirex woodwasp is more likely to damage slow-growing trees.
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Take action. Vermonters can learn more about how to get involved.
Resources
Pest Management Recommendations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Sirex woodwasp Page
National Invasive Species Information Center
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
Exotic Forest Pest Information System for North America
Threat
Sirex woodwasp was first discovered in the United States in 2002, in Indiana. In 2007, a single adult was trapped in Vermont in Lamoille County. Since then, it has been trapped twice near wood-using facilities, but has never been seen infesting trees in Vermont. Sirex woodwasp has been positively confirmed in much of western New York and parts of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and southern Ontario. It has also been introduced inadvertently into New Zealand, Australia, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. Based on its native range in Europe and Asia, it could establish itself in any climate zone of North America where pine occurs.
View the most current distribution map of Sirex woodwasp in North America.
