Emerald Ash BorerDo you know what the terror of ash owners in Quebec is all about? The Emerald Ash Borer. An insect so tiny, and capable of so much damage! In fact, it's a common winged insect, perhaps even pretty for some, that we're talking about. It belongs to the large family of beetles. Its half inch body is a beautiful iridescent green.
It is not native to our country. It comes from Asia. It appeared in North America in 2002. This move was made possible thanks to crates and pallets made of ash wood and used for the transportation of goods. Some of the ash tree's aggressive species were found there and were unfortunately transported to us. And now they belong to the insects of the Quebec territory. They have travelled within our country, always in crates or transport pallets, but also in firewood where ash wood was found. Damage begins quietly, when the insect is still in the larval stage. The larvae are white in color and have fun making furrows by snaking through the wood pulp. The insect, for its part, prefers to gorge itself on ash leaves. |
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Stages of the infestation
No dithering is possible, EAB is indeed an insect pest. But it is extremely difficult to get rid of it, since it has no natural predators.
Typically, an infestation proceeds in four stages. No, the bug is not a musician. And the larva may dig into the wood, but it is not a sculptural masterpiece that it creates. On the contrary, it is a distressing disaster that it produces. But a little bit marginal, the insect starts at the top of the trees and goes down to its base as time goes by. Then it is too late: the tree dies.
Since the first damage is caused by the larvae, it is done with the utmost discretion. This action committed without the owner's knowledge can last up to 2 or 3 years. This is how the first stage of the attack takes place. Then, second time, sometimes one year after the first movement. This takes place in summer. Then begin to show some clues: yellowed foliage, bald tops. Third time, one more year: the tree heads are more frankly stripped. Gourmets are scattered all over the trunk in many places. Fourth and last time, which can also take a year to happen, the greedy invade the trunk, the bark is missing in several places. At this stage, the silent requiem ends... with the death of the tree.
EAB is therefore fatal. This almost inevitable outcome is due to the fact that the galleries dug by the larvae eventually interfere with the flow of sap. However, the infestation does not have to be complete; by the time it reaches the halfway point it is too late to save the plant and it should already be felled. However, it is important to proceed outside the period between March and September, when the bug is spreading.
Since the first damage is caused by the larvae, it is done with the utmost discretion. This action committed without the owner's knowledge can last up to 2 or 3 years. This is how the first stage of the attack takes place. Then, second time, sometimes one year after the first movement. This takes place in summer. Then begin to show some clues: yellowed foliage, bald tops. Third time, one more year: the tree heads are more frankly stripped. Gourmets are scattered all over the trunk in many places. Fourth and last time, which can also take a year to happen, the greedy invade the trunk, the bark is missing in several places. At this stage, the silent requiem ends... with the death of the tree.
EAB is therefore fatal. This almost inevitable outcome is due to the fact that the galleries dug by the larvae eventually interfere with the flow of sap. However, the infestation does not have to be complete; by the time it reaches the halfway point it is too late to save the plant and it should already be felled. However, it is important to proceed outside the period between March and September, when the bug is spreading.
Early detection is essential
If there is one aspect to remember and deeply engrave in his mind, it is that it is imperative to detect emerald ash borer as early as possible to have the opportunity to eradicate it. In fact, there is a specialized protocol for early detection of larval activity. All in all, the actions to be taken are easy to accomplish. A branch of the ash tree is selected and then its bark is removed to see if larvae are present. However, because of the knowledge required to make the right interpretations of the situation, it is best to have experts do this. Thus, the branch must have certain characteristics. The moment to apply the technique is another element to know. Finally, be aware that the larvae are larger in autumn and winter, so these are the best seasons to carry out the operation. Please note that in order to completely eliminate EAB following a felling operation, it is recommended that the stump be removed.
What are the signs of infestation?
So, as you will have understood, intervening as early as possible is essential to have a chance of eradicating the ash bother. That means spotting clues early. But at the risk of repeating ourselves, at the outset, the activity takes place mostly inside the plant. The external signs are very subtle and not immediately apparent. This behind-the-scenes work can last a few years, as we have already mentioned.
Perhaps you are considering becoming an ash tree inspector, looking for the intruder. How will you differentiate between signs of disease or other insect infestations and EAB damage? This ability requires a high level of knowledge. For example, our specialists know what treatment to give based on the signs.
Among other things, they will know that it is important to identify whether the EAB infestation, visible by characteristic signs, is proceeding from top to bottom. Cracks, sap flow, wounds and other signs will first be noticeable from above.
In particular, the bark becomes detached. Peak beak holes also pierce the bark in several places. Squirrels and woodpeckers appreciate larvae and therefore proceed each in their own way to find them. Among other visible clues are exit holes of the larvae, when they have reached their adult size and now want to fly from their wings. These drills then make perforations of about 4 millimeters, which have the shape of a capital "D". This is simply because they have a flattened back and a curved belly.
Last points to invoke is that the samaras of the plant attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer are particularly abundant. The samares are simply the fruits of the tree, in the form of seeds. You may be familiar with the maple samaras, which are called helicopters by analogy, because children love to watch them twirl in the air. Except that this is not a playful consequence, it indicates that the tree is under enormous stress, caused, of course, by the Emerald Ash Borer.
Perhaps you are considering becoming an ash tree inspector, looking for the intruder. How will you differentiate between signs of disease or other insect infestations and EAB damage? This ability requires a high level of knowledge. For example, our specialists know what treatment to give based on the signs.
Among other things, they will know that it is important to identify whether the EAB infestation, visible by characteristic signs, is proceeding from top to bottom. Cracks, sap flow, wounds and other signs will first be noticeable from above.
In particular, the bark becomes detached. Peak beak holes also pierce the bark in several places. Squirrels and woodpeckers appreciate larvae and therefore proceed each in their own way to find them. Among other visible clues are exit holes of the larvae, when they have reached their adult size and now want to fly from their wings. These drills then make perforations of about 4 millimeters, which have the shape of a capital "D". This is simply because they have a flattened back and a curved belly.
Last points to invoke is that the samaras of the plant attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer are particularly abundant. The samares are simply the fruits of the tree, in the form of seeds. You may be familiar with the maple samaras, which are called helicopters by analogy, because children love to watch them twirl in the air. Except that this is not a playful consequence, it indicates that the tree is under enormous stress, caused, of course, by the Emerald Ash Borer.
Prevention rather than cure
There is no better way to avoid the presence of this insect than not planting ash trees on your property. Except that you may not have been aware of EAB at the time of purchase, or you may have had them long before, of course. To reduce your risk a little, consider planting other varieties. Biodiversity is always an excellent choice.
However, don't forget another risk factor. If you are heating with wood, you may have ash in your ropes. There is a simple way to reduce your chances of finding yourself in this situation. It is to source locally as much as possible.
Are you also aware that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been mandated to enforce regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood from infested to non-infested areas? This type of transportation is still possible, but limited conditions must be met.
The products affected are obviously related to ash wood: trees, rough lumber, bark, logs or chips, but also pallets, crates, packaging materials... Even vehicles used to transport these products fall under these regulations.
Guying
However, don't forget another risk factor. If you are heating with wood, you may have ash in your ropes. There is a simple way to reduce your chances of finding yourself in this situation. It is to source locally as much as possible.
Are you also aware that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been mandated to enforce regulations regarding the transportation of ash wood from infested to non-infested areas? This type of transportation is still possible, but limited conditions must be met.
The products affected are obviously related to ash wood: trees, rough lumber, bark, logs or chips, but also pallets, crates, packaging materials... Even vehicles used to transport these products fall under these regulations.
Guying
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