Could Insects Cause Fires?
Recently, officials from Long Island, New York, revealed that a type of insect invasion in the local pine forests has led to continuous tree deaths. The dried-out plants are increasing the risk of wildfires, prompting calls for state funding to assist.
The “Southern Pine Beetle” insect migrated to the eastern end of Suffolk County in New York about ten years ago. The New York Post reported that Ed Romaine, the county executive of Suffolk County, Long Island, stated that this insect infestation has become very severe. Romaine said, “They have devoured hundreds, even thousands of acres of pines. Once these trees wither and become dry, unable to survive, they ultimately become fuel for wildfires.”
The Southern Pine Beetle penetrates the tree bark, causing the tree sap to stop flowing, turning green pine needles into orange, ultimately leading to the complete drying out of the tree. Romaine pointed out that currently more than ten pine trees are being affected by this damage each day, with South Fork being particularly hard hit. The once picturesque Montauk Highway in the area is now lined with dead trees and branches.
Suffolk County has 55,000 acres of natural reserve. Between October and November 2024, the county experienced over 200 bushfires. In January of this year, a bill titled “Restore Our Forests Act” was passed in Washington, proposed by New York Congressman Nick LaLota. The bill calls for comprehensive research on the causes, impacts, and potential solutions to the Southern Pine Beetle outbreak in the Northeast, including the pine tree infestation in Suffolk County.
The director of the Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Agency stated that the invaded trees are tilting and falling, posing threats to pedestrians and vehicles. “We are clearing dangerous trees around hiking trails and studying countermeasures,” the director said.
Romaine noted that in the past, cold weather effectively suppressed the beetle population, but in recent years, warmer winter temperatures have made pest control more challenging. He urged the state government to allocate funds for the research and use of natural insecticides to curb the spread of the beetles.
To raise awareness of this issue among the public, Suffolk County will host a seminar on April 23 at Suffolk Community College in Riverhead on the prevention of Southern Pine Beetles and wildfires, inviting residents to participate.