A certain Emerald colored beetle could cost Sevier County a lot of “Green.”
Since its discovery in southeastern Michigan in 2002, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) beetle has been found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
As of June 2011, it is now found in Blount County, Tennessee.
During the past three years, the fight to mitigate borer infestations in Algonquin, NY and Lake in the Hills, NY has cost more than $150,000 .
Funding for tree replacement in Algonquin this year alone is budgeted for $90,000, according to NY State Parks and Forestry Superintendent Steve Ludwig . Most of that is for trees affected by Borer’s.
In Tennessee, an estimated 261 million ash trees on timberland could potentially become infested with EAB. This represents a potential value loss of over $9 billion (USDA Forest Service).
127 mills throughout the state report using and processing ash logs (TDF).
Another 10 million ash trees in urban areas are potentially at risk with a value loss of another $2 billion. (TN Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy (in review)).
Ash is widely planted in urban areas due to its fast growth, beautiful fall color, ease of maintenance, and hardiness to urban environment.
Ash seeds are eaten by several species of birds. The bark is occasionally food for rabbits, beaver and porcupine. Cavity excavating and nesting birds often use ash.
We Can’t Save every Ash tree, but we don’t have to lose them all either…
Keeping trees vigorous and healthy by proper pruning, mulching, watering and avoiding wounding helps them resist insect attacks. No insecticides are 100% effective against emerald ash borer attacks. Not bringing firewood from other states is one of the best ways to avoid bringing home unwanted tree pests.
Are there any natural enemies of the emerald ash borer?
Yes, scientists have observed parasitic wasps attacking egg or larval stages of the emerald ash borer in its native land. Efforts are underway to determine if these wasps could be safe and effective controls of EAB in America. Unfortunately, this process is time-consuming and these wasps may not be available for effective use in current EAB containment efforts. Other studies are testing various fungi and bacteria that infect beetles for possible use as "natural insecticides."
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