Emerald Ash BorerAre you familiar with Emerald Ash Borer? This flying insect, a type of beetle, is fond of the leaves of ash trees. It may only be half an inch long, but it is nonetheless extraordinarily devastating. Its body is shimmering green. Its white larvae have fun digging serpentine galleries in the pulp of trees.
This nuisance appeared in 2002 in North America. It comes to you from Asia, and has crossed the ocean well camouflaged in crates or pallets made of ash wood. Since then, it has been traveling all across Canada, having even settled in Quebec. Here again, he hides in crates or pallets, but also in firewood. So be warned. The results of its infestation on ash treesWorst of all, there are no natural predators for this pest that have come to North America. So it's really not easy to get rid of. The insect is a bit marginal because it does its damage starting from the top of the trees and then it moves down to the base. In 5 years, sometimes as little as one year, it has travelled the entire distance, and then the attacked tree can no longer be saved. It is too late.
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The whole thing takes place in 4 moments. In the first time, a period which is spread over approximately 2 or 3 years, the larvae are active without their presence being really suspected. In the second time, one year after the first stage, the tops become somewhat sparse and the leaves turn yellow. Thirdly, the tree trunk is strewn with greedy people and the tops become even more bare. The last stage is recognizable by an abundance of greedy and an important barking. If it has not already done so, the tree will die very soon, because the infestation is now complete; there is no longer any recourse: the tree must be felled. This disastrous attack is largely caused by a blockage in the flow of sap, due to the deep galleries made by the insect's larvae. However, if the plant is only half infested, the felling of the tree is irremediable. However, this should occur between March and September, as the EAB spreads during this time period.
What are the signs that EAB is active?
If you have ash trees on your property, you may want to hunt the nuisance on your own. Except that you need to know the difference between possible diseases or insects. Our specialists know the difference, and they will obviously know which insect is guilty. But there is another essential point: they will know which intervention to recommend.
When it comes to EAB, it's necessary to spot the subtle signs or symptoms it leaves behind extremely early, even though the bug can go on for a long time without even being noticeable.
Signs may appear normal to the untrained eye and be confused with other types of attacks. In the case of EAB, the signs are also apparent from the top down. These include sap flowing in various places, characteristic cracks, and loose or discoloured bark .
In order to be more specific about the signs of attack by the beetle, be aware that its larva digs deep and winding galleries in the tree, but when it becomes an insect, it comes out. At this point, it must also dig its way out. And in doing so, it makes holes called exit holes, which measure about 4 mm in circumference, and which look like the capital "D", because its belly is round and its back is flat.
Another significant sign is bark peeling off. This is due to the fact that squirrels love larvae. But this is also the case with woodpeckers, which make visible holes in the bark with their beaks.
One last effect is worth mentioning: the samaras, the seeds of the ash tree, begin to proliferate in large quantities. This is actually a sign that the plant is under very high stress.
When it comes to EAB, it's necessary to spot the subtle signs or symptoms it leaves behind extremely early, even though the bug can go on for a long time without even being noticeable.
Signs may appear normal to the untrained eye and be confused with other types of attacks. In the case of EAB, the signs are also apparent from the top down. These include sap flowing in various places, characteristic cracks, and loose or discoloured bark .
In order to be more specific about the signs of attack by the beetle, be aware that its larva digs deep and winding galleries in the tree, but when it becomes an insect, it comes out. At this point, it must also dig its way out. And in doing so, it makes holes called exit holes, which measure about 4 mm in circumference, and which look like the capital "D", because its belly is round and its back is flat.
Another significant sign is bark peeling off. This is due to the fact that squirrels love larvae. But this is also the case with woodpeckers, which make visible holes in the bark with their beaks.
One last effect is worth mentioning: the samaras, the seeds of the ash tree, begin to proliferate in large quantities. This is actually a sign that the plant is under very high stress.
Early detection of infestation
Even if the Emerald Ash Borer, with its master's wings, has the art of making itself invisible, be aware that there is a technical protocol whose goal is to locate the larvae. The key is to act as soon as possible. A branch is then carefully chosen, having to present precise characteristics. Then, it is debarked. The goal is to locate the larvae. Except that these reach their maximum size in autumn and winter. It is thus strongly advised to wait during these seasons before proceeding to this measurement. However, leave this task to specialists, because they have all the necessary know-how. Please note that stump removal is desired after felling an infected ash tree.
Notify
The best way to prevent an infestation of ash pests is to do without this species of tree. Sometimes this is not possible, or they were on their land at the time of purchase, or they were purchased before the EAB arrived in the country, or they were simply unaware of its existence. Diversifying the trees on your property is a great idea because it is a resistance factor.
However, owning trees of this type, planted on your property, is not the only way to deal with this pest. In fact, it can be confined to your firewood. It is a good precaution to buy from a local supplier to reduce the chances of finding this undesirable pest.
Finally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been mandated to enforce existing regulations regarding the transportation of ash. The transportation of ash is controlled when it takes place between infested and uninfested areas. Conditions are then to be followed.
Ash trees are the first concerned, of course. Next come products such as bark or rough lumber, as well as products made from this wood, such as packaging, pallets, logs, chips. Finally, the vehicles used to transport them are also affected by these regulations.
However, owning trees of this type, planted on your property, is not the only way to deal with this pest. In fact, it can be confined to your firewood. It is a good precaution to buy from a local supplier to reduce the chances of finding this undesirable pest.
Finally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been mandated to enforce existing regulations regarding the transportation of ash. The transportation of ash is controlled when it takes place between infested and uninfested areas. Conditions are then to be followed.
Ash trees are the first concerned, of course. Next come products such as bark or rough lumber, as well as products made from this wood, such as packaging, pallets, logs, chips. Finally, the vehicles used to transport them are also affected by these regulations.
Detection of diseases and invaders
Aside from emerald ash borer, there are other insects and diseases that can put the health of your trees at risk. Emondage Victoriaville has the experience required to assist you with everything related to insects and diseases that can harm your trees. Contact us at 819-809-6042 for advice or fill out the form on this page. Guying
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