Forest Insect & Human Interactions

Question 1

What are the human relationships with / definition of “pests”?

Answer 1

1. In the absence of humans, an insect outbreak is simply an ecological event.
2. Forest insect pests dubbed “pests” because they attack trees that are a source of a product or enjoyment.
   - Timber, Recreation, Landscape, Wood in Use, Fiber, Food, Fuel
   - Only a small portion of insects are actually “pests”

Question 2

Define “injury” when it comes to insects as pests.

Answer 2

The physical harm or destruction to a valued commodity caused by the presence or activities of a pest (ex. consuming leaves, tunneling in wood, feeding on blood, etc.).

Question 3

Define “damage” when it comes to insects as pests.

Answer 3

The monetary value lost to the commodity as a result of injury by the pest (ex. spoilage, reduction in yield, loss of quality, etc.).

Question 4

List the modes of introduction for Foliar Damage (Gypsy moth, Fall webworm, European spruce sawfly).

Answer 4

• Purposely introduced as a potential source of silk
• Unknown
• Nursery stock?

Question 5

List the modes of introduction for Bark and Ambrosia Beetles (Red turpentine beetle).

Answer 5

• Unprocessed logs

- Wood products, crating

Question 6

List the modes of introduction for Wood Borers (Emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetle).

Answer 6

• Wood products and crating (all)

Question 7

List the modes of introduction for Sucking Insects (Balsam woolly adelgid, Hemlock woolly adelgid, Pine woolly aphid).

Answer 7

• Nursery stock
• Unknown, probably live plant materials
• Nursery stock

Question 8

List the modes of introduction for Wood Products Insects (Formosan termite).

Answer 8

• Unknown

- Wood products and crating

Question 9

What are the 3 issues with human urbanization and describe them?

Answer 9

1. Forest alteration: Removal, fragmentation
2. Horticultural plantings: Introduce new species; alter forest structure
3. Urban heat islands: Increase temperatures in and around big cities

Question 10

Describe the process of surveillance and early detection when it comes to humans as forest health monitors.

Answer 10

• Done by foresters, forest workers, or landowners with pest familiarity.
• Upon encounter, report condition to officials with authority to assess/manage pest.
• Timely reporting is critical.

Question 11

List 7 types of insect traps.

Answer 11

1. Lindgren funnel trap (Southern pine beetle)
2. Sticky trap (Emerald ash borer / Gypsy moth)
3. Flight trap
4. Light trap
5. Malaise trap
6. Pitfall trap
7. Yellow pan trap (parasitoids)

Question 12

What is a sampling unit?

Answer 12

Place from which a sample is drawn (how big it is and where it is)

Question 13

How are humans involved in the study of forest insects?

Answer 13

• Research (Universities, Government)

- Applied (Government agencies like the Forest Service, Private industries)

Question 14

List 7 questions to ask to determine if / when an insect is a pest.

Answer 14

1. Is the insect present?
2. Abundance?
3. Where are they / where is the damage?
4. Severity of damage?
5. Why is the insect abundant?
6. What is future potential for damage?
7. Probability of outbreak?