Boundary Invasive Species Society
Emerald ash borer
(Agrilus planipennis)
Emerald ash borer was first detected in Canada in 2002. This Asian native has killed tens of millions of ash trees in North America. One of the main ways it is spread is firewood. In Canada it has been confirmed to be in Ontario and Quebec as well as 21 states in the United States. Tree ring data suggest this beetle had been here since the early 1990's so it is possible that it is in other provinces and has not been noticed yet.
Pupae by pupal chamber in White Ash
Adult feeding on an ash leaf.
Impacts:
Identification:
Emerald ash borer are bright metallic green. The adults emerge late spring to early August. When the adults emerge they leave a small "D" shaped hole in the bark. They then start feeding on the leaves of the ash tree. The female lays up to 100 eggs and the larvae bore tunnels just under the bark and feed on the sapwood. The small tunnels block the xylem in the trunk which allows water to move up the tree. The tree dies of starvation.
Ash trees are very popular in urban and suburban planning. They also make up a large part of the boreal forest. They have a large amount of value to the ecosystem and the economy as well as their beauty. Once the emerald ash borer is established the most effective way to stop its spread is to remove all infected trees. This affects the ecosystem, the economy and the natural beauty in our cities and forests.
Prevention:
The best way to prevent the spread of emerald ash borer and other tree pests and diseases is to burn local firewood. If you go camping make sure to burn local firewood. Do not bring wood from home! If you think you have seen emerald ash borer in the Boundary please contact us. It feeds on both native and exotic species of ash.