June 7, 2019

The Emerald Ash Borer is one of the most common and most devastating invasive species in the Eastern United States. It is extremely prevalent in New York State, especially in the Rochester area. The Borer is a bright metallic green insect, about a half inch long with a flattened back and purple patches underneath its wings. The insect,  is not a good flier, traveling mostly through firewood that is transported from place to place.

The Emerald Ash Borer does its damage by burrowing into ash trees. There are several telltale signs that can indicate that your ash tree is infested. Many times, the first indication of Emerald Ash Borer infestation is an increase in woodpecker activity, as the birds attempt to eat the ash borer. A dieback, yellowing, or browning of the tree canopy can indicate infection. Emerald Ash Borers also leave an S-shaped boring pattern in a tree with D-shaped exit and entry holes. Typically, once infested, a tree dies within 2-4 years.

It is extremely important to monitor the health of your trees. If your ash trees are infected and remain untreated, they will inevitably die. If you see any sign that the ash borer is present in your trees, call Ted Collins immediately. We offer a range of treatment services, including a series of Imidacloprid injections and bark sprays, that fight any ash borer infection. 

 If you suspect your tree has been infected with Emerald Ash Borer call us today at (585) 381-9000.

If you want to read more about the Emerald Ash Borer and how you can stop the spread of the bug, the Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are great sources of information.