(Des Moines) Emerald Ash Borer has been detected in Mills and Shelby counties for the first time. The invasive, tree-killing pest was collected from trees in Glenwood and Shelby.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says Emerald Ash Borer is a significant threat to all species of ash trees, infesting and killing both stressed and healthy trees. The destructive wood-boring pest tunnels just beneath the bark in the vascular tissue, interfering with the transport of water and nutrients. Infested trees generally die within two to four years.
Infested trees may exhibit canopy thinning, woodpecker damage, leafy sprouts shooting from the trunk or main branches, “S”-shaped galleries under the bark, bark splitting and 1/8 inch D-shaped exit holes.
Emerald Ash Borer spreads short distances naturally, but large jumps in distribution are made possible by human-assisted movement. The larval stage of the insect can unknowingly be transported in wood products such as firewood. Leaving firewood at home and using locally-sourced firewood where it will be burned can help limit the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
