The Emerald Ash Borer: Destruction in North American Forests
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB) is a relatively new invasive species to North America. It is thought to have been first introduced and established in Michigan around 1997, though it was not discovered until June of 2002. The EAB is a relatively minuscule insect, only measuring 7.5-13.5mm long, and slender bodied. It ranges in colour from green to bronze, with emerald wing covers, and a metallic red-purple abdomen under the wings. The larvae are white/cream coloured, are around 26-32mm long, and have segmented bodies.
The EAB originates from Asia, most commonly found around the Eastern coast. The emerald ash borer has spread quickly throughout North America, wreaking havoc on the ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in more than half of American states (see map image) and 2 Canadian provinces, Ontario and Quebec. With the very quick spread of EAB, knowledge on their life strategy is an asset in helping prevent further damage. With 150-200 million trees already deceased, the emerald ash borer is costing the US approximately one billion dollars every year in treatment, removal and replacement of trees. This number is only expected to continue to rise unless better preventative measures are taken.
HOW CAN I TELL IF MY ASH TREE IS INFESTED BY EAB? -D-shaped exit holes through the bark about 1/8 inch wide (see photo) -S-shaped larval galleries just beneath the bark -Thinning leaves or branches -Vertical splits in the bark -Unusual shoots sprouting from the main trunk or base of the tree -Damage from woodpeckers trying to get the borer at its larvae stage
If you think your tree is infested, report it to your Department of Agriculture or Nature ASAP
Unfortunately the best treatment for in infested to tree is to cut it, and all neighbouring trees, down.
THE BEST TREATMENT IS PREVENTION! -DO NOT bring firewood from one city to another – THIS IS THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF EAB SPREADING. -Check your trees regularly -Do not plant more ash trees -Awareness -Report infested trees IMMEDIATELY
I'm sad to say that this pest has reached my own little Canadian town, so I'd hate to see it happen to yours. Prevention is key!
~Rosie
Images and references: http://www.nyis.info/?action=eab # http://bit.ly/1DPKmaz
http://1.usa.gov/1ELNLLw
Joe Heller