Tag Archives: invasive eab beetle

5 Facts About the Emerald Ash Borer

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The Emerald Ash Borer, commonly referred to as the EAB beetle is a bright metallic green beetle which is 10-13 millimeters.  The EAB beetle has caused millions of ash trees in North America to die, since it’s accidental introduction from Asia.  Here are five facts to help you understand this pest and the economic destruction it has caused.

EAB Damage Westchester Tree Life

Damage to an Ash tree from the EAB beetle.

1.  With the help of dendrochronological reconstruction (a method of scientific dating based on the analysis of tree rings), scientists have traced EAB destruction back to the early 1990’s in Michigan.

Emerald Ash Borer Westchester Tree Life

2.  An EAB beetle’s lifespan ranges from 1-2 years in North America.EAB Lifecycle Westchester Tree Life

3.  The EAB beetle kills ash trees by destroying the water and nutrient conducting tissues under the tree’s bark.  A tree will die within two years of signs of the EAB beetle.

Ash Tree EAB Westchester Tree Life

4.  The Emerald Ash Borer is spread through the moving of firewood from it’s initial location.  We also know that the EAB beetle can fly a half of a mile from the tree where they have emerged.  For more information on moving firewood, click here .

Female EAB Westchester Tree Life

A closer look at a female EAB beetle!

5.  The Emerald Ash Borer is now recognized as the most harmful pest in North America.  Having caused the destruction of over a million ash trees, this beetle has been recognized as a serious problem which can cost billions of dollars to fix.

EAB Quarantine Map

Never Move Firewood

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As winter approaches, so does the season for bonfires and warming up with indoor fireplaces.  This time of year, it is important for us to stress that you never move firewood.  What are the effects of moving firewood?  How can this be damaging to your surrounding trees and wildlife?  We will answer all of those questions and more in this concise mini-article.

EAB-with-D-Shaped-Holes

Image Courtesy of www.lenexa.com

The “Never Move Firewood” rule began as a result of the damaging effects brought on by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, or the EAB.  The EAB is an invasive bug, small enough to fit on the head of a penny, and difficult to track and detect in nature.  When you move firewood, you are transporting the EAB beetle, therefore spreading it in new regions, ultimately endangering more trees.

Stop The Beetle Westchester Tree Life

The larvae of the EAB beetle tunnels under the bark of the tree, disrupting the tree’s system of transporting food and water; this starves and eventually kills the tree.  Tens of millions of trees have died due to the effects of the EAB beetle, which can now be found in various states, such as New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and many more.

Dont Move Firewood Westchester Tree Life Ny

To prevent the transfer of the EAB beetle and further damage to our trees, we ask that you burn local firewood, versus purchasing wood which has been transported from another area.  Another great way to prevent the transfer of this invasive insect, is to purchase kiln-dried firewood!

Stay tuned for more seasonal tips regarding the health of your trees!