Tiny Bugs Topple Big Trees:

The Emerald Ash Borer

 

 

Emerald Ash Borer from Wikipedia

The Emerald Ash Borer is a pretty little insect smaller than a penny. As its name suggests it is a brilliant green and when it raises its wings you can see purple. They’re rarely seen because they dwell in the forests. They are an Asian import and therefore an invasive insect. Perhaps in Asia they have a natural predator that keeps them in check; bugs that are this lovely often do and the color is a defense. They’re so green because of the trees that hide them.

As beautiful as they are, the Emerald Ash Borer does pose a risk to ash trees in North America. They lay their eggs on the ash trees and their larvae bore underneath the bark, blocking nutrients from getting to the tree.

As winter approaches there are trees being cut all across the country for firewood. The Emerald Ash Borer larvae are often undetected unless the tree is severely diseased and they may mature during shipment, further spreading the pests. That’s how they got here in the first place, in the early part of the century.

Since the adults rarely travel more than half a mile the best way of transport is in cut wood and mulch. They have spread as far as Kansas and it’s important that the insects are contained. It is recommended that you check to find out where the wood products come from. By locally produced wood products whenever possible.

With winter coming the cutting of trees goes into high production. Between fire wood, Christmas trees and the mulch that will be produced for spring, wood products are shipped from state to state with great speed. The Emerald Ash Borer has now been detected in eighteen states and Canada since it was first detected in 2000. It will take less time to travel across the rest of the states if quarantines aren’t placed and the public educated. Be sure to let your local department of agriculture know if you see these beautiful elusive and destructive bugs.

Termites are not the only pests that damage our forests and fell trees with their numbers. The Emerald Ash Borer poses no threat to our structures, however; the termite does. Termites in Glendale can be handled by contacting your local Termite Control Arizona office. The initial termite inspection is free and the licensed professional who inspects your home will develop a plan of protection just for you.

 

 

Chandler AZ –

Termite Control Arizona

2040 S ALMA SCHOOL RD, STE 1

CHANDLER, AZ 85286-7075

(480) 582-1219