With the arrival of spring and expectations of locating goldspotted oak borers, only one more affected tree has been identified, according to Riverside County’s Forester Chief Gregg Bratcher.

Last month, the county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office held a meeting with potential contractors who could spray trees, Bratcher said. The intent was to increase their awareness of the pest’s presence in the county and on the Hill, and the potential for residents to use their services.

More information about the possibility and disclaimers of this choice, including a list of licensed pest control operators in Riverside County who attended the GSOB informational meeting, are at
http://ucanr.edu/sites/gsobinfo/Resources/By_County/Riverside_County/Licensed_Pest_Control_Operators-Riverside_County/

Although only one more tree has been identified, Bratcher believes the recent heat wave will expand the GSOB’s range. A trap at the Grinding Station has recently seen the emergence of hundreds of beetles.

According to Kevin Turner, goldspotted oak borer program coordinator at the University of California, Riverside, traps around material ground to recommended specifications indicate few larvae survive, but bark less finely ground is the source of emerging beetles.

The Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council is continuing its inspections of trees, said Executive Director Edwina Scott.

It also has placed traps around town and in Pine Cove. The large purple triangular objects hanging from trees will help determine how active and widespread the potential infestation is.

Scott also announced that the MCFSC abatement contract, scheduled to terminate June 30, has been extended through Sept. 30. So funds are still available to help property owners complete fire abatement. Call (951) 659-6208.