Q: I got a half cord of mesquite firewood last fall. Now I am seeing a lot of holes and sawdust around the woodpile. The wood is outside away from the house, but I am wondering if these insects will attack live trees in my yard.
A:Β Borers that you find in firewood are usually attracted to dead and dying trees. They are the decomposers and insects are very important in nature to help break down these trees along with help from fungi and bacteria. It is unlikely they will attack live trees in your yard although I wouldnβt recommend stacking the wood next your trees if you can avoid it. One of the potential and likely causes of the recent bark beetle infestations of Aleppo pines in our area is the transportation of infested firewood from the ponderosa pine forests in the mountains to our low desert environment where the Aleppo pines grow.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed toΒ plwarren@cals.arizona.edu
