The Emerald Ash Borer may not have originated in North America, but in recent years this pets has made its way to Canadian territories and is wreaking havoc on ash tree populations in many area. This beetle is actually of Asian origins and it is believed that the invasive species made its way to parts of North America via the shipments of wood related products from foreign countries, such as China and Russia. The sudden increase in numbers has called for immediate preventive measures to be put into place by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and residents should all be on high alert for these insects. Here are a few common questions and concerns about the Emerald Ash Borer.
Should you be concerned if you have ash trees on your property?
The answer to this question is a definitive yes. These bugs have the capability of wiping out a large population of ash trees within just a few short years. Therefore, if you have ash trees on your property, you should be on high alert. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of the Emerald Ash Borer, and know the signs and symptoms to look for when it comes to an infestation so you can get rid of the tree and the insects before they spread to neighboring growth.
What should you do if you suspect there is an Emerald Ash Borer problem?
If your tree is showing signs of dying or damage for no apparent reason, it is a good idea to contact a tree specialist who is familiar with this insect and knows how to properly tend to the issue. Properly eradicating the beetle can involve specialized pesticides and care to preserve other trees in the area.
How serious is the infestation to the population of ash trees in parts of Canada?
In their native environment, Emerald Ash Borers are not as much a threat to their surrounding trees because of natural predators and trees that are resilient to the affects of this beetle. However, when in a locale that is not native, there is a lack of protection which can lead to devastating effects. An entire ash tree population in one area could be destroyed in ten years because of an infestation of Emerald Ash Borers.
These beetles may be quite impressive to look at with their emerald green shell and unusual metallic sheen, but the fact is, Emerald Ash Borers do not belong in Canada. Make sure you do your part to keep the issue at bay by arming yourself with knowledge and knowing who to get in touch with if you discover an issue.