What is the emerald ash borer?
The emerald ash borer is a green beetle that is native to Asia. It was first discovered in the United States in 2002 and has since spread to infest ash trees in more than 30 states. The emerald ash borer feeds on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, which eventually leads to the tree’s death. Emerald ash borers are considered to be one of the most destructive forest pests in North America.
What does an emerald ash borer look like?
The emerald ash borer gets its name from the dark green color of its body, which is about 1/2 inch long. It has a flat back and sides, a rounded abdomen, and adults have metallic green markings on their wing covers. The larvae have a brown head, and cream-colored body with bell-shaped body segments. They leave behind distinct S-shaped galleries in the tissue they consume, which becomes visible as the bark dies back.
How does the emerald ash borer spread?
The emerald ash borer spreads by flying from infested trees to healthy ones. It also spreads through the movement of infested firewood, nursery stock and other ash wood products. What kind of damage does the emerald ash borer cause? Emerald ash borers typically attack and ash trees of all ages, stressed or healthy. They don’t prefer healthy trees.
The emerald ash borer causes extensive damage to ash trees.The larvae feed on the inner bark of the tree, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. This feeding eventually kills the tree.
How can I tell if my ash tree is infested with emerald ash borers?
There are several signs that may indicate that your ash tree is infested with emerald ash borers. These include:
- Dieback of branches in the upper crown of the tree
- Leaves that are wilted, discolored or falling off the tree prematurely
- Splitting or cracking in the bark caused by larval feeding, usually starting in upper branches
- S-shaped gallery tunnels under the bark
- D-shaped holes in the bark where the adult beetles have emerged usually starting in upper branches
What can be done to prevent or control emerald ash borer?
Our primary recommendation is to treat the trees you value and want to keep. Our treatment, the most practiced and effective in the industry, is a trunk injection that is effective for 2 years. If you choose not to treat, it’s better to remove the tree so it isn’t a habitat for the insect to stay in your neighborhood.
Emerald ash borers are considered to be one of the most destructive forest pests in North America. If you think you have found an emerald ash borer, it is important to contact a Certified Arborist quickly.
