Insecticide For Emerald Ash Borer

While it’s true that Emerald Ash Borer has destroyed millions of trees in the US, there may still be hope for ash trees. When living in Michigan we had an infestation in our neighborhood and solved the problem before any trees were removed by using a special insecticide. While timber insecticides aren’t exactly household items, there are some you could use in an emergency situation to prevent losing your ash tree.

Insecticide For Emerald Ash Borer

Several insecticide products are available to homeowners for control of emerald ash borer (EAB).  Since the presence and infestation level of EAB is quite difficult to determine at early stages of an infestation, insecticide treatments may be merited to mitigate damage by EAB.  However, not all ash trees should be treated as some may be too extensively compromised or in poor condition to receive treatment.  Tree location, value, and health, as well as the cost of treatment are all factors to consider.  Due to the expense of yearly insecticide treatments, one should consider the value of a particular ash tree in relation to insecticide treatment costs before making any treatments.  In addition, consider the health of each tree before treating.  Research suggests that insecticide treatments are significantly more effective on EAB-infested ash trees with less than 50% canopy thinning.  Insecticide treatments are not suggested for trees with greater than 50% canopy thinning.  Trees with greater than 50% canopy thinning should be removed and handled in accordance with local guidelines.  For a more detailed discussion on this topic, see University of Wisconsin Garden Facts XHT1215, Is My Ash Tree Worth Treating for Emerald Ash Borer.

Emerald ash borer insecticide treatment options.  Insecticide products available for use by homeowners are summarized in Table 1.  They include:

• ACECAP Systemic Insecticide Tree Implants (acephate)
• BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Insect Control (imidacloprid)
• BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed (imidacloprid)
• BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed II (imidacloprid + clothianidin)
• Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control with SYSTEMAXX (imidacloprid)
• Compare N Save Systemic Tree & Shrub Insect Drench (imidacloprid)
• Ferti-lome Tree and Shrub Drench (imidacloprid)
• Monterey Once a Year Insect Control II (imidacloprid)
• Several other products containing imidacloprid are also currently available

Most of the products available to homeowners are systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid and are applied as soil drenches around the base of ash trees. A few granular products are also available.  Recent university research suggests that applications of imidacloprid should be made in spring to be most effective. Research also has demonstrated that soil applications of imidacloprid-containing homeowner products provide excellent EAB protection for ash trees that are less than about 47 inches in circumference [i.e., 15 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH)]. Due to differences in application rates and label restrictions, treatment by a tree care professional (e.g., arborist) may be the best option for larger trees.  For best results, treatment of trees should begin before trees become infested and insecticide treatments must be repeated each year to maintain the health of ash trees. Lastly, the products containing imidacloprid have strict limits for the amount that can legally be applied per acre each year. Thus, homeowners can treat and protect several smaller-diameter trees in their yard, but such products are not appropriate for treating many large yard trees or for woodlots or forested areas.  Homeowners using imidacloprid-based products will need to carefully check the label each year and measure the size of trees to determine the total amount required.

Be aware that many insecticide products available at hardware stores and garden centers look alike.  Carefully check all product labels before purchase to make sure that you have selected the correct product/active ingredient.  ALWAYS read and follow the pesticide label directions on the product that you select!

Finally, note that although ACECAP Systemic Insecticide Tree Implants are available to homeowners, we do NOT recommend that homeowners use these because they require physically drilling into a tree during their application each year.

Insecticide For Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer is an insect that was introduced to the United States in 2002. The beetle kills ash trees by boring into their trunks and laying its eggs, which then hatch and eat the inner bark of the tree. Emerald Ash Borer has spread to 33 states since it was first discovered in Michigan and has killed tens of millions of trees.

The emerald ash borer is a small greenish-golden beetle, about 1/8th inch long when full grown. It lays its eggs in cracks or crevices of ash tree bark, which hatch into larvae that feed on the inner bark of the tree, disrupting water and nutrient transport in the plant. The larvae then pupate under their protective shells, emerging as adults in mid-May through early June, at which time they begin mating and laying eggs for another generation.

Insecticide For Emerald Ash Borer is an organic insecticide that protects your trees from being killed by the Emerald Ash Borer beetle. It is made from natural ingredients including neem oil, neem seed extract and neem leaves to control pests without harming beneficial insects or your plants.

List Of Insecticide For Emerald Ash Borer