Oak wilt - Is it OK to remove a dead branch during bug season?

[Woodwork]

Hey, all,
I have a blackjack oak that has some dead branches down low (I guess they died back due to lack of light) ... is it OK to remove dead branches from oaks during "bug season" ... or should I wait until the bugs are gone in winter? I got the impression that you only need to worry about oak wilt fungus getting into the living tissue, but I might be mistaken...thanks for any feedback.
Jeff

 

[Rusticus]

The text book says not to and you may get some flak from onlookers...but really there is no way for the fungus to enter the tree's vascular system from a dead branch pruned outside the branch collar. Paint it as soon as possible to remove all doubt. I think the easily available guidelines are more aimed at the uneducated homeowner. I heard the forest service guy in Texas say they have some restrictive language in their marketing material because most homeowners wouldn't be able to discern the specifics.

 

[Jonny]

Agree.
Cut into that branch collar a little though, and all bets are off.

 

[Brocky]

Was told at a seminar a few years back not to cut the dead wood, it is more there will be a smell from the cut that may attract the buggies. If necessary due to damage, spray shellac was recommended on the cut.
I’ve left stubs and then covered the ends with plastic and duct tape, and came back later in year to flush cut.

 

[Woodwork]

Thanks for the replies, fellas, that all makes sense. I appreciate it.