If you live in a forested area (e.g. Connecticut is about 60% forested), the chance you’ve seen diseased or dead ash trees is a given. What is killing them? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), that’s who!
We first discussed this insidious invader in July 2015. However, the infestation has spread. What is our best defense? To become familiar with the signs this destructive beetle has moved into your area & prevent the further spread to healthy ash trees.
What is EAB?
EAB stands for Emerald Ash Borer. Native to Asia, this exotic beetle was first detected in Southeastern Michigan near the city of Detroit. It is estimated this foreign beetle was inadvertently imported into the U.S. on wood packing materials on cargo ships and/or airplanes in 2002. As of May 2018, this insect has invaded 32 states and three provinces in Canada.
Since its discovery, EAB has:
- Killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America
- Caused regulatory agencies and the USDA to enforce quarantines and fines to prevent the spread to unaffected areas
- Cost cities, towns, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries hundreds of millions of dollars
The key is to keep the beetle from spreading to healthy ash trees. To do this, don’t move firewood from immediate areas and watch out for infestation.
- EAB only attacks ash trees
- There are 16 native ash tree species in the United States, all of these species are susceptible to EAB attack
- During their larval stage, EAB feed under the bark of ash trees which damages, and eventually kills, the trees
- Infested ash trees die within two or three years
- Adult beetles are metallic green, about ½ inch in length
Symptoms of an infestation may include any or all of the following:
- Increased woodpecker activity
- Dead branches near the top of a tree
- Leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk
- Bark splits exposing larval galleries
- D-shaped exit holes
- S-shaped tunnels
Once detected, the best course of action is to remove/burn the affected ash tree. However, there is ongoing research for the application of effective insecticides and biocontrol programs to bolster healthy species of ash trees in North America. But until there are proven solutions, humans must keep these tiny invaders at bay by preventing the spread to unaffected areas.
According to Don’tMoveFirewood.org, when it comes to wood burning fires, people should only burn wood found in the immediate area. A good rule of thumb is to always “buy it where you burn it” only! Another viable solution is to purchase and burn wood that has been treated or kiln dried. Properly treated and dried wood ensures all EAB infestation has been eliminated.
Count on Premier Firewood Co. for Clean, EAB-Free Firewood
Worried about bugs or other nuisances being held within your firewood? At Premier Firewood Company, we store all of our wood products inside, ensuring their cleanliness and durability. Our firewood is clean, with no bugs, insects, molds, or other contaminants. Call the firewood experts at Premier Firewood at 203-866-4252, or fill out our online order form to schedule your delivery of kiln dried firewood in New York or Connecticut today.