TOWN OF ABINGDON
Abingdon, Virginia
For Immediate
Release
EMERALD ASH BORER FOUND IN WASHINGTON and SMYTH
COUNTIES
-----------------------------------
Invasive insect expected to kill all untreated ash and
native fringe trees in our region in 1-3 years.
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The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), or Agrilus planipennis,
is a non-native invasive insect from Siberia that has already killed tens of
millions of ash trees throughout the continental U.S. This pest was officially trapped and
identified several weeks ago at various sites in Washington and Smyth Counties.
These metallic green insects (Photo 1) emerge
May-August in this region. Once the
adults breed, the eggs are then laid on the bark and after hatching, the larvae
burrow inside the bark.
As the larvae feed, they create serpentine galleries
(Photo 2) which disrupt the the flow of food and water in the tree. Some of the best signs of an EAB infestation
are the "D" shaped exit holes (Photo 1) the adults leave on the tree
and the bark blonding caused by woodpeckers feeding on the insect (Photo
3).
The first step in managing this pest is to identify
any ash or fringe trees on your property.
All untreated ash (Fraxinus spp.) and native fringe (Chioanthus
virginicus) trees are susceptible.
If you would like to save your ash or fringe trees,
please contact a local ISA certified Arborist that provides plant health care
services. There are several treatment
options available but the most effective option is a trunk injection of
emamectin benzoate, which is viable for at least 2 years.
In addition, the Virginia Department of Forestry
currently has a grant available to homeowners, non-profits, and municipalities
to assist in the cost of EAB treatments.
Their link is: http://www.dof.virginia.gov/health/EABCostShare_Descriptionof_Application.pdf
For more information, please contact:
Kevin
Sigmon
Abingdon
Town Arborist
ISA
Certified Arborist
Office:
276-492-2135
ksigmon@abingdon-va.gov
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