emerald ash borers

I have been reading about the Emerald Ash Borer since visiting my parents earlier this week.
Much of their property is wooded and there are lots of Ash trees in the mix.

They recently started noticing some thinning tree canopies, which is one of the first signs of  an Ash Borer infestation.

The Emerald Ash Borers get their name from the dark green metallic color of the adults. These adult insects lay eggs on the bark of the trees. When the eggs hatch the larvae burrow beneath the bark to feed on vessels that conduct nutrients, eventually killing the tree. They are only known to feed on Ash trees.

For now, it's a losing battle with these pests.Trees can be ininoculated against the borers...but it's expensive and must be repeated every two years. This only works on trees that do not have an Ash Borer infestation...it will not cure those already affected.

Notice the gnarled dead limbs in these pictures. The affected trees usually die within 2 to 5 years. 

Fortunately, research is being done on ways to protect trees with insecticides. In some areas small parasitic wasps have been released in hopes that they will prey on the Emerald Ash Borer larvae.

Sad to see these huge old trees destroyed like this. Hopefully a solution will be found

soon.