How to Detect the Emerald Ash Borer? What Are the Signs, Symptoms, and Damages?
Unfortunately, the presence of the emerald ash borer can sometimes be very difficult to detect. More so, often times, when signs of the emerald ash borer start showing and symptoms of infestation are visible, the tree is usually already heavily infested and can rarely be salvaged.
Here are some signs of a potential infestation:
- S-shaped tunnels under the bark (which are larval feeding galleries typically serpentine)
- Small D-shaped emergence holes
- Evidence of adult feeding on leaves
- Premature yellowing of the leaves
- Dying branches
- Thinning crown and reduced foliage density and deformed bark areas (or vertical cracks on the trunk)
- Shoots growing from the trunk
- Increased woodpecker activity
Infested ash tree
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S-shaped tunnels
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D-shaped emergence holes
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Woodpecker
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Warning: other diseases or insects can cause similar results. It is recommended to hire a specialist to confirm the presence of the emerald ash borer.