subject: Overview Of Emerald Ash Borer And Steps To Reduce Its Impact [print this page] The emerald ash borer, or EAB, is a green beetle that is native to Asia, but in North America it has become an invasive species. Where it has been found, it does a great deal of damage to ash trees. The level of damage that is caused by the beetle is comparable to that of Dutch Elm Disease and Chestnut Blight. The beetle in the United States alone threatens a shocking 7.5 billion ash trees. Not only that, the species threatens an entire group of tree species, known as a genus, rather than only a single species. This makes the emerald ash borer unique as a tree pest. At minimum, the beetle has killed fifty million trees already.
In May through July, the beetles come out and the females lay eggs between the layers of bark. In seven to ten days, the eggs hatch and the larvae feed on the tree. The next year, they emerge as adults and repeat the cycle.
Naturally, the emerald ash borer is found in Eastern Russia, Northern China, Korea, and Japan. The species was first detected in the United States in 2002, but it is thought to have been introduced during the 1990s through oversea shipping containers. The first identification took place in Michigan. It has since spread to Ohio, Minnesota, and Ontario.
Unfortunately, the amount of time that it takes to spot a tree that has been infested with emerald ash borer can last as long as a year, meaning that it can spread without being spotted. The signs of an infestation begin with D-shaped holes that can form in the bark. The beetle causes trees to die off because the larvae damage the phloem and xylem of the tree, which halts the transportation of water and nutrients through the tree.
If sprouts start to form at the base of the tree, this is another important sign. These sprouts still have the ability to grow, even if the rest of the tree is chopped down, but once the sprouts become thicker than an inch, EAB begins to target them as well.
The beetle infestation is very difficult to kill off. Most trees die within two or three years of becoming infested. Nearly fifty million ash trees have been killed so far. The estimated economic loss is in the tens of millions of dollars.
In Michigan, a study is currently being conducted in order to determine if parasitic wasps can be used as a deterrent for the beetle. The stingless wasps lay their eggs inside the larvae or eggs of the beetle, causing them to die. The releases started in July of 2007. At this point, it is uncertain if the campaign will prove effective, or if it could have unanticipated ecological impacts.
When it comes to treating EAB, there are some actions that can be taken. Emerald ash borer treatment involves injecting treatments into the soft inner bark of the tree. An arborist can conduct emerald ash borer treatment. In addition to treating EAB, there are certain preventative measures that people can take.
For starters, firewood should be bought either at or near a campsite, and it should not be brought home after a camping trip. Firewood should be inspected. Make sure that you are familiarized with the signs of the infestation, and have infested trees treated so that they don't contribute to further contamination.
