Emerald Ash Borer Control

Emerald ash borer control should be taken very seriously. Agrilus plannipennis, or the emerald ash borer, is a damaging insect species affecting ash species in Colorado.  The emerald ash borer is a wood boring beetle, native to Asia. First found in Michigan in 2002, the beetle has rapidly spread throughout the mid-west.  Scientists predict that will continue to spread throughout the eastern US.  They have caused so much damage to the Ash population that the US Department of Agriculture has enforced quarantines in many states.  It has likely been introduced to Colorado from movement of wood or infected nursery stock.  While the adult beetle does eat ash leaves, it is the larvae that cause real damage.  Emerald ash borer control has become increasingly important in both urban and forested landscapes with costs in the tens of millions for property owners and commercial companies alike.

Detecting infestations in ash trees is dependent on identifying emerald ash borers and the injury pattern created by the larvae.  Contact your SprayTech expert or local CSU county extension office immediately if you have a suspect insect.

Signs of Attack

Green ash killed by Emerald Ash Borer

Identifying an emerald ash borer is the most effective way of determining if your ash trees are under attack.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Body form in the shape of a bullet with a flat head
• 9-13 mm in length
• Uniformly green and bright metallic wing cover
• Purple abdomen

You can also examine ash trees for evidence of larvae injury.  Here are a few things to look for:

• Layer beneath bark with winding tunnels filled with sawdust substance
• Sawdust only found in tunnels.  Emerald ash borer does not shoot dust to the base of the tree like other wood-boring species.  It is packed into their tunnels and is very fine.
• D-shaped exit hole.  This may be the best indication of ash injury as other wood boring insects in Colorado make circular exit holes.

Emerald Ash Borer Control & Prevention

Emerald ash borer control is extremely important.  Because the species is not native, North American ash species are not equipped with natural resistance. Studies have shown that tree spraying for emerald ash borer is effective, although difficult in some cases.  If the tree is missing more than half of its canopy, it is likely beyond repair.  Healthy trees that have recently been infested are most responsive to tree spraying treatments.

If you have healthy ash trees, they may still be at risk for infection. Trees up to 15 miles away from a known emerald ash borer infestation you should begin a treatment program.  Populations move and spread over time, so it may be necessary to treat your tree for several years until it is no longer at risk.

Spraying trees for emerald ash borer over several years can be quite an investment if you have a lot of ash trees or large property.  Our experts at SprayTech will determine if it is economical to treat your lot before starting a treatment program.

If you want to know if your property is at risk of an emerald ash borer infestation, contact the friendly staff at SprayTech today and get an assessment or request an estimate on emerald ash borer control.