Ash borer continues devastation

from the Detroit Free Press
February 15, 2008

By MARTY HAIR

The emerald ash borer continues its devastating advance through North America's ash tree population. The estimated death toll so far: More than 25 million ash trees.

Over the past year, the wood-boring beetle has been discovered at an additional site in the Upper Peninsula as well as in Toronto and in western Pennsylvania.

That means it's established in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia and Ontario.

In 2007, researchers released a non-stinging wasp in Michigan forests.

The wasp is a natural enemy of the beetle in China, where it helps keep the borer population under control.

According to entomologists, the wasp can do the same in Michigan if it can become established here.

Scientists believe the emerald ash borer may have hitched a ride to this continent from Asia along with wood used to pack cargo.

It was first identified in North America near Detroit in 2002.

For more information, including recommendations for homeowners with ash trees and a state map showing known sites of the emerald ash borer, go to www.emeraldashborer.info