Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Carroll County

Weekly Newspaper Article for The News-Democrat, Carrollton, KY

Emerald Ash Borer, adult (University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service)

The presence of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a serious invasive pest of ash trees, has been confirmed in Carroll County.

The EAB can attack all species of ash in landscapes, forests, and woodlots.  The insect will attack stressed and healthy trees greater than about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Although Carroll County has been in the quarantine area since the insect was discovered in Kentucky in 2009, this is the first time the insect has been found here.  The amount of die-back seen in the infested trees indicates that the infestation is probably two to three years old.



According to a US Department of Agriculture Forest Service survey, Carroll County has slightly over 3 million ash trees and ranks 34th in the state.  There are lots of ash trees in neighboring counties (number in millions of ranking):  Henry (#1 - 6.8), Owen (#11 - 5.2), Gallatin (#20 - 3.7), and Trimble (#70 - 1.2).

Homeowners who want to protect their ash trees themselves can use a soil drench with a systemic insecticide containing the active ingredient, imidacloprid.  It is available under a variety of brand names, which usually include the words "12-month tree and shrub insect control" on the label.

The drench treatment is an effective treatment for trees up to about 15 inches in diameter at breast height (4.5 ft above ground level).  The treatment has to be repeated annually.

Ideally, the drench treatment should be applied in early April, but homeowners who treat now will probably get some benefit.  As with all pesticides, be sure to read and follow the directions stated on the label.

Commercial applicators certified in Turf and Ornamental Pest Control have equipment and products that can protect large trees.  These can be injected into the tree or applied as a trunk spray.

For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer, contact the Carroll County Cooperative Extension Service at (502) 732-7030.  EAB information can also be found at UK's website, Emerald Ash Borer in Kentucky.