The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a small green invasive wood boring beetle that attacks and kills ash trees. How bad is it? The EAB is responsible for the destruction of more than 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since it was first discovered (in North America) in Michigan in 2002. It has since been found in more than 18 states and Canada. This metallic green beetle is native to East Asia, and was imported to the U.S. within the wood of shipping crates from China. It’s all been downhill from there.

The adults live on the outside of ash trees, feeding on the leaves during the summer. The larvae look similar to white grubs, and feed on the living plant tissue beneath the bark. The trees are killed by the tunneling activity of the larvae under the tree’s bark, which disrupts the vascular flow. Most trees die within just 2 to 4 years of becoming infested.

The EAB can only fly a few miles, which helps slow its natural spread, but it’s easily transported to new areas when people inadvertently move the larvae inside of infested firewood, ash nursery stock, and other ash items. Remember not to move firewood from infested areas into non-infested areas!

Emerald Ash Borer Facts:

• Adults are typically bright metallic green
• Females can lay up to 200 eggFemales can lay up to 200 eggs
• Eggs are laid in bark crevices or cracks, and hatch after 2 weeks. Larvae chew through the bark to the phloem and cambium layers and feed, creating serpentine tunnels which effectively girdle the tree
• In the fall, larvae develop into pupae, and become adults the following spring. Adults exit a tree by chewing a characteristic “D-shaped” hole in the bark

Our In-Stock Solution: Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control

We carry Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control, made by Bonide, proven to be an effective treatment for the emerald ash bore. We have this product in stock now, and the application is straightforward:

• Apply as a drench around the root flare of trees for total protection
• One application lasts an entire year
• Apply anytime except when soil is water saturated or frozen

If you have ash trees, take a moment to learn more before you take action. Although the EAB threat is real, make sure you understand the specific risk to your trees, the regulations and quarantines, and your options, before destroying these beautiful trees (or losing substantial income from your woodlot). Learn more here.