Emerald Ash Borer
September 21, 2011The emerald ash borer (EAB) was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 in southeastern Michigan. This Asian beetle infests and kills North American ash species including green, white, black and blue ash. Thus, all native ash trees are susceptible.
Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.
The Destruction Over 50 Million Ash Trees
Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since its discovery in Michigan.
The key to healthy ash trees is to be proactive.
Treating ash trees that show no symptoms of being affected is recommended as a preventative measure due to the severe nature of an Emerald Ash Borer infestation. The product Imidacloprid, which is a systemic insecticide, is used either as a soil injection or as a micro injection into the tree to help protect the tree from the insect.
If you have ash trees on your property it is highly recommended that you have your trees treated to avoid a costly removal. Approximately 15% of all trees in New York are Ash trees and if this insect is not stopped, the Ash trees will become extinct.