Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennus Fairmaire)

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a beetle that infects Ash trees in North America (Fraxinus), EAB is considered an invasive species and has no natural predators in North America. They have metallic green backs and an emerald green underside.

Some facts of Life about the Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer adults become active in late May and early June. At this time, they begin chewing their way out of the bark, leaving behind a D-shaped ‘exit hole’. The adults eat the foliage for about two weeks before they mate. Females then lay their eggs under and in the crevices of bark of the host tree.

Emerald ash borer larvae hatch from their eggs after one to two weeks of incubation. After exiting the egg, the larvae begin to feed on the living tissue of the tree. As larvae eat, they create S-shaped tunnels under the bark. The larvae then dig into the wood or bark to pupate before becoming a beetle.

Signs & Symptoms

Emerald ash borer will leave S-shaped tunnels, under the bark of trees, and D-shaped exit holes as they emerge from the tree. Trees stressed from infestation will have small leaves and thinning canopies. Many trees will also have dead branches with cracking and peeling bark.

Treatment & Recommendations

Emerald ash borer can be controlled with TreeAzin, a systemic biological control treatment. TreeAzin is injected in the trunk and moves through the tree, killing the larvae feeding on the tree’s tissues. It is recommended that treatment is done every two years on ash trees.

If you are interested in treating your ash tree call our office. A qualified arborist will be able to provide you information on TreeAzin injections.