Here in southern Ohio, we always need to keep an eye out for certain pests that can wreak havoc on our local native tree population. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources does terrific, vital work in keeping up with these infestations, and your local tree service companies are on the front lines of identifying and battling these invaders.
Here are five insects that are currently threatening our Cincinnati-area trees, and what to look out for.
Emerald Ash Borer
Threatened tree: ASH
First spotted in Ohio in Toledo in 2003, the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis, or EAB) has made its way to southern Ohio, too. The EAB is such a serious threat to the well-being of trees that there is a federal quarantine boundary to try to limit the spread of these dangerous bugs. Ohio has 3.8 billion ash trees, so any insect that threatens those trees is worth serious attention in our area. Adult EABs are dark metallic green. They fly from May until September, and are a half-inch long and an eighth-inch wide.
Gypsy Moth
Endangered trees: OAK, along with 300 other tree varieties
This is an invasive species that particularly loves oak trees but also eats the leaves of hundreds of other tree species. If gypsy moths feed on a healthy tree for two years, that tree can be permanently damaged, or die. The gypsy moths came to Ohio from Michigan and Pennsylvania, but they are now pervasive throughout the northeastern United States. Gypsy moths can strip leaves and make a tree in spring or summer look like it’s already headed towards fall.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
Endangered trees: MAPLE and other hardwoods
Here in Ohio, Clermont County is where this beetle was first discovered. These beetles are not yet completely established in North America, as the sporadic outbreaks have been quarantined and/or eradicated. Within the US, these beetles are typically moved from one area to another by moving cut wood for fires. Restricted areas in Ohio are Tate, Monroe, and Stonelick Townships, along with East Fork State Park. No trees or cut wood are allowed to be transported out of these areas. Beware the Asian longhorned beetle.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Endangered tree: HEMLOCK
If you see white, cottony sacs at the base of the needles on your Hemlock tree, then you likely have Adelgids. These tiny bugs suck sap from young twigs, and that makes needles fall off which can prevent the tree from making enough food for itself.
Walnut Twig Beetle
Endangered tree: BLACK WALNUT
Butler County here in Ohio is under quarantine, as this beetle was found there. It transmits “thousand cankers disease.” A sign of Walnut Twig Beetle infestation is when the leaves of the tree begin to yellow, wilt, and die, beginning at the top of the crown of the tree and working their way downward.
If you suspect you’ve seen any of these invasive pests, or any of their symptoms, you should contact your local Ohio tree service professionals right away. Don’t “wait and see” in a situation like this, and don’t be afraid to get it wrong. We’d rather come out and see that it was a false alarm and your trees are robust and healthy than have a full-blown infestation on our hands that could have been prevented.
Stay tuned for Part 2…
