Is the emerald ash borer harmful to humans?
The spread of the emerald ash borer, which poses no direct threat to humans but has killed more than 100 million trees in the United States, was associated with an additional 15,000 human deaths from cardiovascular disease and an additional 6,000 deaths from lower respiratory disease.
What do I do if I have emerald ash borer?
If you think you’ve seen the emerald ash borer or ash tree damage caused by an infestation, report it immediately by calling 1-866-322-4512 or report online.
Are there any ash trees left in Illinois?
Ash trees are very common in landscapes and most species, mainly white ash (Fraxinus Americana) and green ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica), are native to Illinois forests. It is estimated that as much as 20% of street or parkway trees in the Chicagoland Area are ash trees.
How long does emerald ash borer live in firewood?
Although numbers were low, a few EAB did emerge, indicating that EAB can emerge from cut firewood for at least two consecutive years.
Why are trees dying in Illinois?
Many of the dying ash are due to emerald ash borer. Many of the dying pin and red oaks in southern Illinois are due to horned oak gall. But many of the dying ash, oak, and other trees are due to the season-long drought of 2012, the July-September drought of 2013, and the severe winter of 2013-2014.
Do white ash trees get emerald ash borer?
No. EAB only attacks true ash trees in the Fraxinus genus such as Green Ash, Black Ash and White Ash, Mountain Ash (genus Sorbus) is not a true ash and is not attacked by EAB.
Should all ash trees be cut down?
The first step is simple. Just look at your tree. An ash tree that has lost more than half of its leaves because of EAB should likely be removed, according to USDA research. But a tree with most of its canopy could be a good candidate for treatment.
Can you burn wood infested with emerald ash borer?
You can safely burn wood from trees infested by EAB. Just be sure to use it at the location where the trees were removed. And again, don’t take it any farther than 50 miles from that site.
What is killing trees in Illinois?
– A destructive pest that feasts on ash trees has been confirmed in two new Illinois counties. The emerald ash borer (EAB) recently was discovered just north of Salem in Marion County and at the Green Creek Rest Area on Interstate 57 in Effingham County.
Do woodpeckers eat ash borers?
Their results proved that woodpeckers were indeed preying on emerald ash borers — eating 85 percent of the emerald ash borer in an infested tree.
How many Emerald Ash trees are owned by the city of Chicago and threatened by the EAB?
In Chicago, ash makes up around 17% of the City’s street tree population or about 85,000 trees. When adding an estimated 300,000 ash trees from private property to the total, ash trees become one of the most numerous trees in the City.
Is it worth it to treat an ash tree?
In many cases, yes. Ash conservation efforts are stronger than ever, and treatment options are available to protect trees. In fact, when applied correctly, EAB treatment is 85 to 95 percent effective.
Do squirrels eat emerald ash borers?
Several animal species are known to feed on ash seeds, including squirrels, mice, ducks, turkeys and other birds. The impacts of the loss of this food source are not known.
How do I protect my trees from emerald ash borer?
Homeowners can protect ash trees against EAB with the systemic insecticide imidacloprid, applied to the soil at the base of the tree. It is most effective when applied in spring but can also be applied in fall. It is less effective on trees over 50 inches in circumference.
Should I take down ash tree?
Some homeowners might be hesitant to remove dead ash trees because they provide valuable habitat for a range of woodland animals and mushrooms. However, we do not recommend keeping them standing unless you can guarantee that no people, domesticated animals, or property will ever be in their path if they fall.