Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

Identification and Treatment

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to identify and treat emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations in the Fargo-Moorhead area. If you have ash trees on your property, it's important to be able to identify the signs of EAB infestations and take action quickly to prevent the spread of this destructive pest.

Identification

EAB infestations can be identified by several signs, including:

  • D-shaped exit holes in the bark

  • S-shaped tunnels beneath the bark

  • Splitting or cracking in the bark

  • Thinning of the canopy and dying branches

  • Increased Woodpecker activity

If you notice any of these signs in your Fargo-Moorhead area property, you may have an EAB infestation on your hands.

What is an Emerald Ash Borer?

  • The Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native insect that poses a great threat to ash trees in the United States. Emerald Ash Borer larvae feed under the bark of ash trees killing the trees over the course of a few years due to a lack of water and nutrients. 

  • The insect is native to Asia but was found in the U.S. in 2002. It is believed to have been introduced through the infested packing material.

  • Emerald Ash Borer infestations have killed hundreds of millions of trees in the U.S. and have cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and forest industries hundreds of millions of dollars, and are known to survive harsh winters.

the s-shaped tunnels beneath the bark of an ash tree that is an indicator of an EAB infestation
an emerald ash borer insect sitting on a tree
a finger pointing to a d-shaped hole in a tree, an indicator of an EAB infestation.

Treatment

There are several methods for treating EAB in the Fargo-Moorhead area, the most popular (and what we recommend) is:

  • Insecticides: Insecticides can be applied to the bark of the tree or injected directly into the trunk. These treatments can be effective, but they must be applied regularly to prevent reinfestation, typically once per year.

Prevention

  • The best way to prevent EAB infestations in the Fargo-Moorhead area is to keep your trees healthy and well-maintained. This includes proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to prevent stress on the tree.

  • It's also important to avoid moving firewood or other materials from infested areas to prevent the spread of EAB.

  • When planting trees, plant a variety of species. This diversity helps make the area’s forests, communities, and conservation plantings less susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive tree pests. 

We Can Help!

If you suspect that your trees in the Fargo-Moorhead area may be infested with EAB or if you have any questions about identifying or treating this pest, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is well-equipped to handle EAB infestations in the Fargo-Moorhead area and can provide you with the information and resources you need to keep your trees healthy and free from pests.