This past summer, a voracious pest made its official appearance in the Philadelphia region. The emerald ash borer, an invasive species of insect that has been spreading across the US for the past decade or so, poses a serious threat to ash trees, leading to major concerns from conservationists, property owners, and parks department officials all over the country. With the official spotting in our area, we wanted to spread the word about what the emerald ash borer is capable of, and what can be done to protect your property and the trees in the surrounding areas.
Spotting the Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is about a half-an-inch in length, green in color, and a member of the beetle family. Researchers in the area caught their first specimen back in August using traps baited with pheromones, but the effects of this species can be found if you know what to look for.
The insect destroys ash trees when its larvae hatch inside the wood. From there, the hungry young pests eat away at the essential tissues of the tree until it is no longer able to transport water from the roots to the leaves. The infestation can destroy a healthy tree within a couple years, leaving a dead, decaying tree that is both unsightly and dangerous to surrounding property.
Woodpeckers feed on ash borers, and increased activity from these birds can be a sign of an infestation. Small holes where the insects bore out of the bark are usually about ⅛ inch in diameter and are an easy way to spot an infestation.
If you have an ash tree on your property that you suspect may be infested, call us immediately and one of our licensed arborists can diagnose the problem. If caught in time, your trees can be saved!
Protecting Against The Emerald Ash Borer in Philadelphia
As with many plant health issues, preventing the infestation from taking place is the best way to protect your ash trees. Our experts utilize the latest techniques to inoculate trees against infestation.
If the pests are already present in your tree, it may not be too late. Early treatments can eliminate the infestation, killing off the insects and protecting the tree from future problems.
The emerald ash borer is a serious threat to the health of ash trees throughout the region and we should all do our part to reduce the impact these invading insects. Keep a close eye on the trees in your neighborhood and contact our professionals to prevent infestations and treat existing issues.