Emerald Ash Borer - Roswell Pest Threat
Keep an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation from decimating the ash trees in your yard and neighborhood. Recognizing infestation signs and knowing who to call can save countless trees in the Georgia landscape.
Emerald ash borer pest threat
New Image Tree Solutions gathered Emerald Ash Borer beetle information, the threat to trees, infestation signs, prevention measures, and who to call when there is a confirmed infestation.
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, metallic-green beetle that may appear harmless at first glance. However, its larvae tunnel under tree bark, disrupting nutrient and water flow within the tree. This internal damage eventually leads to tree decline and death. The beetle is particularly lethal because its feeding habits are challenging to detect until significant damage has occurred.
The Threat to Ash Trees
Emerald ash borer adult pest threat
EAB poses a severe threat (to ash trees) due to its rapid spread and destructive lifecycle. In less than a decade, millions of ash trees have been killed across North America. In Roswell, Georgia, this pest jeopardizes the health and beauty of local landscapes. EAB attacks all ash species, stripping trees of vitality and leaving behind skeletonized trunks.
Note: Ash tree species are inherently more susceptible to boring insects due to a lack of tannins in the tree’s sap (sap is the tree’s defense against intruders and tannins make tree sap undesirable to boring insects).
Why EAB is So Deadly
Emerald ash borer pest threat larva damage
EAB larvae feed extensively on the inner bark, disrupting the vascular system essential for tree survival. When visible symptoms appear - like canopy thinning, bark splitting, and wood peeking through - the damage is extensive and irreversible. The beetle’s lifecycle allows multiple generations annually in warmer climates, accelerating the infestation process. This rapid reproduction and feeding pattern make EAB one of the most destructive pests targeting ash trees.
Ash Tree Species in Roswell, Georgia
Emerald ash borer pest threat fraxinus species
In Roswell, several ash species are common. Five notable species include:
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
White Ash (Fraxinus americana)
Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra)
Blue Ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata)
Manchurian Ash (Fraxinus mandshurica)
Each species plays a role in local ecosystems, providing shade, habitat, and aesthetic value.
Preventive Measures Against EAB
Emerald ash borer pest threat tree inspection
Preventing EAB infestation requires proactive steps and continuous monitoring. Homeowners and municipalities should consider the following measures:
Regular Inspections: Schedule frequent visual inspections during spring and summer. Look for D-shaped exit holes, serpentine galleries under bark, and canopy thinning.
Chemical Treatments: Apply systemic insecticides in early spring when EAB activity begins. Consult with certified arborists to determine proper treatment intervals.
Biological Controls: Explore releasing parasitic wasps that target EAB larvae. Research on these natural enemies continues, and some programs already show promising results.
Quarantine Regulations: Follow local guidelines restricting firewood movement and other wood materials that could harbor EAB larvae.
When to Call an Arborist
Emerald ash borer larval tunnel pest threat
Professional arborists should be contacted immediately if an EAB infestation is suspected. Signs include:
D-shaped exit holes in bark
Rapid decline in canopy density
Excessive wood peeking through bark layers
Visible larval galleries during bark inspection
Arborists can confirm diagnosis, suggest treatments, and recommend containment measures. Early intervention may save some trees, but heavily infested ones may require removal to prevent spread.
EAB Infested Trees - Removal and Destruction
Emerald ash borer pest threat incineration
When a tree becomes too heavily infested (or poses a risk to surrounding structures), tree removal is necessary. The process involves:
Assessment: Arborists conduct thorough assessments to determine the tree's condition.
Permitting: Obtain necessary permits from local authorities before removal.
Safe Removal: Employ specialized equipment to safely remove the tree, minimizing risks to property and public safety.
Destruction: Infested wood should be chipped or incinerated (following local regulations) to prevent re-infestation. Proper disposal is critical to contain EAB spread.
EAB-Resistant Tree Species
Emerald ash borer pest threat resistant tree species
As EAB continues to devastate ash populations, replacing vulnerable trees with resistant species is a strategic long-term solution. Five recommended alternatives include:
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
These species not only bring diversity but also enhance the resilience of urban forests against invasive pests.
Documentation and Reporting
Emerald ash borer larva pest threat
When EAB outbreaks occur, comprehensive documentation is essential. Arborists and municipal agencies compile detailed reports that include:
Visual evidence through photographs and videos
Data on tree health and infestation levels
Treatment and removal recommendations
Impact assessments on urban green space
These reports support decision-making by community leaders and help coordinate regional response strategies.
Contacting Relevant Organizations
In the event of an EAB detection, it is crucial to notify the following organizations to coordinate a swift response:
New Image Tree Solutions: Will dispatch an arborist to identify EAB, offer immediate containment solutions, and begin documentation. Call today for a free assessment: 404-680-0041
Local Cooperative Extension: Provides expert guidance on pest management.
Fulton County UGA Extension Office Phone: 404-613-7670
State Forestry Division: Oversees invasive species control and urban forest health.
Georgia Forestry Commission Phone: 800-436-7442
U.S. Department of Agriculture: Offers resources and support for large-scale infestations.
National Identification Services Team Phone: 301-851-2182
Emerald Ash Borer Network: Offers a direct way to report EAB infestations with local connections to entities specialized in EAB containment.
Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health Email: bugwood@uga.edu
Early notification and collaboration with these agencies can lead to more effective containment and treatment efforts.
Emerald Ash Borer Infestation and Containment
In this article, you discovered Emerald Ash Borer information, the threat to trees, infestation signs, prevention measures, and who to call when there is an infestation.
Immediate action after detecting an EAB infestation can save your community's ash trees from certain death.
Failure to act against the Emerald Ash Borer leaves every ash tree in the Roswell, Georgia, region susceptible to its rapid spread and lethal feeding habits, resulting in extensive tree loss.
Sources:
fs.usda.gov/about-agency/features/invasion-forest-destroyers-and-how-science-fighting-back
aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/eab-manual.pdf
news.uga.edu/tree-killing-insect-emerald-ash-borer-found-in-georgia-0813
Photo Credit: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org
(404) 680-0041