Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that has been affecting ash trees all over North America since 2002. It is important to identify EAB in ash trees because it can cause significant damage if left untreated. In this blog, we will discuss the signs of EAB infestation and the steps you should take if you suspect your tree may be infested.
Signs of Infestation
The most common sign of EAB is a thinning crown and yellowing leaves at the top of the tree. These signs typically occur before any other visible symptoms. If you notice these signs on your tree, look for bark cracks, D-shaped exit holes, S-shaped galleries under the bark, and woodpecker activity. Bark cracks can indicate larval galleries underneath the bark where EAB larvae are feeding on the tree’s nutrients. D-shaped exit holes indicate adult beetles have emerged from the tree after feeding on its nutrients for several years. Additionally, S-shaped galleries under the bark may also be present if EAB larvae are present and active in your tree. Finally, woodpecker activity is often a sign of an infestation because birds will flock to weakened trees to feed on larvae beneath the bark.
What Should I Do If My Tree Is Infested?
If you suspect your tree is infested with EAB, it’s important to contact a professional tree service immediately to assess the situation and formulate a plan of action. An arborist can help you determine whether or not your tree needs to be removed or treated with insecticides or systemic treatments that are designed specifically for treating emerald ash borer infestations. Depending on the severity of your infestation, they may recommend removing the affected trees and replacing them with healthy ones as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage from occurring!