What problems does the Emerald Ash Borer cause?
What is the Emerald Ash Borer and what problems does the Emerald Ash Borer cause? This tiny beetle has had a big impact on our ash trees in Ontario and continues to pose a severe threat.
The most significant ash tree disease in Ontario is caused by the Emerald Ash Borer. The disease is spread by the Emerald Ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) which is an iridescent metallic green beetle between 8.5 to 13.5 mm long.
Affected Species
The Emerald Ash Borer affects all native species of ash trees (genus Fraxinus), including the White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Green/Red Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and the Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata).
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) poses a severe threat to ash trees in Ontario. Once the EAB arrives in an area, it could kill 99% of Ash trees within an 8 to 10 year period.
As these trees are widespread in our area and play a vital role in our ecosystem and urban landscape, preventing the spread of EAB is crucial.
How did the Emerald Ash Borer get to Canada?
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle species native to some parts of Asia.
It arrived in North America in the late 1990s, probably in imported wooden packaging materials. It was first spotted in Canada in 2002 and has since spread to 5 provinces.
Where is the Emerald Ash Borer found in Canada?
The Emerald Ash Borer is across the southern and middle areas of Ontario, Quebec and New-Brunswick. It is also present in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba and the city of Halifax, Nova-Scotia.
The Emerald Ash Borer travels via infested firewood from all tree species, ash wood products, lumber, branches, bark or wood chips. It can fly up to 10km.
Emerald Ash Borer Damage
Emerald Ash Borer infestations result in severe damage to ash trees. If left untreated, EAB infestations ultimately lead to the death of ash trees.
The beetles reside in the tree and lay their eggs in crevices in its bark. When the larvae emerge, they feed under the tree bark. This disrupts the tree’s vascular system, cutting off its supply of water and nutrients and causing irreversible damage to the ash tree.
