Emerald Ash Borer in Kentucky
Should I start to use insecticides to protect my ash trees from the EAB?
Treatment is an individual choice based on particular conditions. Nevertheless, preventive insecticide applications usually aren't suggested if recognized infestations are not inside 15 miles of your location. If there's no quarantine for your county, identify ash trees on your property and maintain them as healthy as you possibly can through correct fertilization and watering. Watch trees closely for signs of EAB infestations. Stay informed about the situation in your region.
Are insecticide applications worthwhile if nearby infestations are found?
Most insecticides presently registered for EAB control should be applied each year. Treatments might be worthwhile to protect very valuable trees or to help keep individual trees alive until non-susceptible replacement trees are big enough to provide satisfactory shade. Detailed information on control alternatives is available at: http://pest.ca.uky.edu/EXT/EAB/EABcontrol.pdf
What is the life cycle of this borer?
The EAB can possess a one- or two-year life cycle. Development time decreases and also the number of borer larvae per tree increases. Emerald Ash Borers in Kentucky adults begin emerging in mid to late May with peak emergence in late June. Females generally start laying eggs about two weeks after emergence. Eggs hatch in 1-2 weeks, and the tiny larvae bore through the bark and into the cambium – the region in between the bark and wood where nutrient levels are high.
The larvae feed under the bark for several weeks, generally from late July or early August through October. The larvae typically pass through four stages, ultimately reaching a size of roughly 1 to 1.25 inches long. Most EAB larvae spend the winter in little chambers in the outer bark or in the outer inch of wood. Pupation happens in spring and the new generation of adults emerges in May or early June, to begin the cycle once more.
