Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Treatment in Cincinnati

Emerald ash borer adult and exit hole (Photo courtesy of Ohio State University Emerald Ash Borer Outreach).

The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a beetle accidentally transplanted here from Asia several years ago. They have killed millions of ash trees across the Midwest, including in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. Scientists say the beetles – and their path of destruction – are now spreading about 20 miles per year, far faster than when first discovered here in 2006.

The economic and quality-of-life impact from the emerald ash borer invasion is multi-faceted. Communities, private property owners and open landscapes now suffer from reduced shade, leafy beauty, wildlife habitat, even commercial wood production. And tree replacement costs can be tremendous.

The emerald ash borer effectively “strangles” trees

The beetles lay eggs under the bark, and larvae eat the outer layer of wood, carving their way in serpentine pattern around the trunk and branches, cutting off the tree’s circulation and ability to transport nutrients and moisture from the soil to the leaves.

Do you have ash trees?

If you aren’t sure, a certified arborist can quickly identify all your trees.

Are they infected?

Early detection is key, just as it is with human health problems, and early intervention is the best treatment option. Look for:

• Beetles or larvae.  
• Canopy dieback, starting in the upper third of the tree.
• Sprouts from roots or lower trunk.
• Curving larvae trails, also called galleries.
• D-shaped exit holes.

Evidence of an emerald ash borer infestation (photos from left to right): 1) emerald ash borer larva, 2) larva galleries below bark, 3) sprouts at base, and 4) crown dieback. (Photos courtesy of Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org)

Emerald ash borer treatment options in Cincinnati

In the Cincinnati, Ohio area, systemic insecticide can be applied in several ways. At Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc., we recommend TREE-age, which can last up to two years, or Imidacloprid, a one-year treatment.

However if the tree’s circulation is already compromised, it won’t be able to take in and use the treatment. If it has lost more than half its canopy, the tree probably isn’t salvageable and should be properly removed to prevent spread of the emerald ash borer.

That’s why assessment – how many trees you have and their condition — is vital to determine your best options. If you have multiple trees and some are infected, you should treat all of them or remove and chip the infected ones to ensure beetles or larvae in affected wood won’t put remaining trees at risk.

We can help you evaluate the financial and other costs associated with emerald ash borer treatment solutions and explain the prognosis for your trees, so you can make an informed decision.

Click the following link to read our blog posts and get the latest information about the impact of the emerald ash borer on the Greater Cincinnati area.