• By Vincent Earll
• July 20th, 2016
• Irrigation & Lawn
• 26 Comments

Emerald Ash Borer invasive pest information

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a quickly moving invasive pest that kills ash trees. EAB was discovered in New Jersey in May 2014 in Somerset County. EAB infestations throughout the U.S. and Canada have killed millions of ash trees since 2002. The USDA states that EAB and other invasive pests will have an impact on the environment similar to or greater than global warming.

EAB is commonly spread through firewood from an ash tree. Since larva feed below the bark, infested wood is difficult to recognize at a glance.

A mature EAB has a short life span, making reproduction highest priority. With the ability to fly, EAB quickly spreads to neighboring ash trees. A mature adult can lay hundreds of eggs on the bark of an ash tree.

As the larvae eats through the cambium, the layer of the tree that transports nutrients, the trees ability to send up nutrients is impaired, leading to the death of the tree.

Once EAB enters an ash, the tree will die within a span of two to three years. An infested ash tree shows thinning canopy and after a while total canopy loss.

What are the Signs of Emerald Ash Borer?

Adults lay many eggs on the bark of an ash tree. The eggs hatch and the new larvae eat through the bark.

Once they are under the bark, the larvae will consume the trees cambium, moving through the tree in an S shaped pattern.