Insect Transmission of Oak Wilt:
Insect Transmission of Oak Wilt: Past Lessons, Modern Arboriculture, and the Future of Oak Health By Paul Weaver, ISA Certified Arborist – Kansas City Oak Wilt (Bretziella (Ceratocystis) fagacearum) is one of the most aggressive tree diseases in the Midwest, and in Kansas City, where oaks dominate our urban canopy, the threat is ever-present. I’ve personally watched mature red oaks, which took decades to grow, decline and die in just one summer. Managing Oak Wilt requires more than quick fixes or guesswork. It demands the trained eye and practical experience of a **ISA Certified Arborist with extended field experience**, someone who can identify subtle signs, understand local climate triggers, and take swift, informed action. How Oak Wilt Moves: The Insect Connection Oak Wilt spreads through two main pathways: root grafts between neighboring oaks and overland transmission by insects carrying spores from diseased to healthy trees. Bark beetles (Pseudopityophthorus spp.) bre...