DSORe POLL s426
Do you understand the threat
posed by the emerald ash borer?
Emerald Ash Borer’s Effects
The emerald ash borer belongs to a group of insects known as metallic wood-boring beetles (Buprestidae). The beetle’s immature or larval form spends its life feeding beneath
the bark of ash trees. As a result, the ash tree host suffers extensive damage to its vascular system, depriving the tree’s crown of water and nutrients. Research conducted by Michigan State University and theUSDA Forest Service has shown the emerald ash borer attacks both stressed and healthy ash trees, typically killing its host in three to five years. All ash species in Wisconsin are attacked, including white, green black and blue ash. Mountain ash (Sorbus spp.), not a true ash, is unaffected.
Emerald Ash Borer Spreads Through Firewood
Emerald ash borer is a slow-moving insect, dispersing just one-half to two miles annually on its own. However, this rate of dispersal can be greatly accelerated by humans transporting ash firewood, nursery stock and other wood products long distances. This inadvertent transportation of emerald ash borer larvae in infested materials by people has greatly increased the distribution of emerald ash borer across the country (see distribution map). Since the detection of emerald ash borer, firewood and quarantine regulations have been put in place to try to slow the spread of this pest.