Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive wood-boring beetle from Asia that has killed millions of ash trees since first being discovered in the United States in 2002. It was discovered in Minnesota in 2009 and has continued to spread across the state and over 30 other states in the U.S. as well as Canada.
Where is emerald ash borer in MN?
Emerald ash borer continues to spread in MN each year. For up to date locations of confirmed ash borer infestations near you, please refer to the MN Department of Agriculture’s map. You can view that interactive map here.
Should You Be Treating Your Trees?
If you leave within 30 miles of a known ash borer infestation, experts recommend you consider treating your high value ash trees with insecticide treatments to protect them. Proper treatments are highly effective when applied correctly.
ArborThrive protects trees from emerald ash borer with trunk infusion treatments of emamectin benzoate that are effective for two years. Our Certified Arborist is a licensed Commercial Pesticide Applicator with the MN Department of Agriculture and has been treating trees for twenty years.
How Does Ash Borer Kill Trees?
The larvae (immature stage of EAB) feed underneath the bark of trees creating winding tunnels called galleries, which cuts off the tree’s transport of water and nutrients. This leads to initial thinning and dieback in the upper crown of the tree and within 3-4 years the tree dies.
How To Recognize Ash Borer Damage
Thinning Foliage And Dieback
Early ash borer infestations are quite difficult to notice, but after multiple years of infestation, you may see dieback and thinning foliage in the upper part of the tree.
Woodpecker Damage
Woodpecker damage may also be noticed, as woodpeckers feed on the EAB larvae beneath the bark. Rough holes or strips of bark missing from excavating woodpeckers are one of the first visible symptoms.
D-shaped Exit Holes
As the adult beetles emerge from the tree in spring, they create 1/8 inch, D-shaped exit holes.
Keep Your Trees Alive With ArborThrive!
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Resources
National Industry Guidelines For Emerald Ash Borer Treatments – This publication was created by the leading experts and researchers in the country on emerald ash borer. All other documents and experts refer to this when looking for industry approved scientific information related to emerald ash borer.
Emerald Ash Borer Map of Minnesota – This is an interactive map that shows where emerald ash borer has been confirmed by the MN Department of Agriculture in Minnesota.
Emerald Ash Borer Info – The MN Department of Agriculture’s information page regarding ash borer in Minnesota.