What is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?
“EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) HAS KILLED TENS OF MILLIONS OF TREES IN THE 19 STATES THEY HAVE INHABITED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS, INCLUDING AREAS OF MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN.”
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle introduced to the United States in the last 10 years. The first discovery was near Detroit Michigan in the summer of 2002. These beetles have done significant damage to our ash trees. The adult form of Emerald Ash Borer chew on ash foliage, however they do little damage to the health of the tree. The larvae are what cause the complete decline in tree health. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees and disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB they believe, arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes from native Asia, where the beetles originate.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Prevention
There are many options of preventative care for your Ash Trees! There are options to do yourself or you can use a professional service. Insecticides have proven to be very helpful to prevent of the spread and infestation of Emerald Ash Borer to more Ash Trees. Another good way to stop the spread and further infestation into new areas is fire wood bans, already intact in several states. The most important areas to treat ash trees are in the EAB quarantine areas of your state, you can check your area at www.emeraldashborer.info . If your property is within a quarantined county your ash trees are at risk for an Emerald Ash Borer infestation. Once an area is quarantined they don’t update additional locations of sightings, they just deem the entire county as quarantined.
Preventative treatments are the only way to protect your ash trees! Once your ash trees are infested with the Emerald Ash Borer larvae it is almost impossible to save the tree. If you are in or close to a quarantine area take action now and treat your trees! Emerald Ash Borer is an extremely invasive beetle. Whether you research and treat your ash trees yourself or call a professional, the ash trees should be treated or on an annual treatment schedule!
Watch a Fox6 News video on Emerald Ash Borer.