The presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been confirmed in several counties in northeast Kansas, prompting officials to warn landowners about the beetle's destructive potential. The EAB poses a significant threat to both rural and urban landscapes, as it can devastate white ash and green ash trees, which provide shade and habitat for wildlife.
Since its discovery in 2002 (after being suspected in the 1990s), the EAB has caused extensive damage, destroying millions of ash trees across 30 states, including over 40 million in Michigan alone. Kansas first reported the presence of the pest in 2012.
As of July 7, infected trees have been found in 13 Kansas counties, with authorities suspecting the beetle may have spread further. Landowners are urged to report any sightings of dying ash trees, particularly outside the identified counties, to facilitate timely treatment and support from the Kansas Forest Service.
The Emerald Ash Borer is a green invasive beetle that feeds on the tissues beneath the bark of ash trees. Adult beetles emerge in late May and deposit eggs on afflicted trees. The larvae that resulted dig into the trees, creating visible trails beneath the bark. Smaller trees may perish within 1-2 years, however larger afflicted trees may live for 3-4 years.
Early discovery and treatment offer the opportunity to save diseased trees. Treatments such as trunk injection, soil drench, and bark spray can only be administered by licenced pesticide applicators. Homeowners should note that over-the-counter solutions are ineffective and expert treatment is recommended.
Landowners should call the Kansas Forest Service or the Kansas Department of Agriculture's plant protection and weed control programme to report probable EAB infections. Preventive steps, such as not moving firewood and burning any remaining supplies before spring, can assist to keep the EAB at bay.
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Categories: Kansas, General