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The emerald
ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been observed in Kane and
Lake Counties of Illinois. Officials believe that the ash borer
came to Illinois in firewood transported from the quarantined
area in
Michigan.
The emerald ash borer is a destructive, non-native pest that
feasts on ash trees. All sixteen ash species are susceptible to
attack.
The emerald ash borer is a small, metallic-green beetle
native to
Asia. Its
larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing the trees to
starve and eventually die. While the beetle does not pose any
direct risk to public health, it does threaten the ash tree
population. Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in
the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees are
dead or dying.
The emerald
ash borer is difficult to detect in newly-infested trees. Signs
of infestation include:
·
The presence of metallic-green beetles about half the diameter
of a penny on or around ash trees
·
Thinning and yellowing leaves
·
D-shaped holes in the bark of the trunk, or branches
·
Shoots growing from the base of the tree.
The ash borer
only affects ash trees and is more likely to attack stressed or
weakened ash trees commonly found in parkways and along
roadways. There are a number of things each of us can do to
help control this pest.
·
Observe your trees for signs of damage or insect infestation.
·
Do not transport or accept delivery of firewood from over 100
miles away. This is an easy way for insect pests to spread in
an uncontrolled manner.
·
Maintain the trees overall health. A good practice is to
fertilize trees in the fall or spring and provide additional
water during periods of limited rain, especially during the hot
summer months.
·
A long term solution is to plant a diverse range of trees other
than ash trees. Some of the examples would be Redmond Linden,
Kentucky Coffee, Swamp White Oak, and Bur Oak.
The
Village of
Lake in the Hills employs two certified arborists who are
qualified to inspect for the Emerald Ash Borer. Please feel
free to call Public Works at 847-960-7500 with any questions or
concerns. Questions concerning the Emerald Ash Borer or reports
of infested trees should be directed to the Illinois Department
of Agriculture extension office at (630) 584-6166. For more
information visit www.agr.state.il.us/eab or
www.emeraldashborer.info. |
