May 20, 2020 - (Laurel Wilt USFS Pest Alert Flyer) Attention landowners of Sabine, Shelby, & San Augustine Counties, this is the time of year when you could see the effects of Laurel Wilt on your Sassafras trees. Laurel Wilt is caused by a fungus that is carried by an insect, the redbay ambrosia beetle. These organisms are native to Asia and are invasive pests in North America. They can easily be transported across counties by movement of infested wood products and firewood.