Addressing the Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer has caused 37 Wisconsin counties to be restricted from exporting any hardwood firewood to unaffected counties, however CALS researchers have tested and confirmed a way to effectively slow the insect, giving communities more time to act. An insecticide such as emamectin benzoate, sold under the brand name, “TREE-age”, can effectively slow the emerald ash borer when injected into holes bored into bark. Treating ash trees with insecticides early and repeating the treatment every few years can save even the largest of trees from this tiny insect. Treatment costs $50 to $60 for municipalities, but can be more expensive for individual homeowners, yet still less expensive than removing and replacing the tree.
Focus Areas
Project Leader
Robert Williamson
Professor Of Entomology
- Department/Unit
- Entomology
- School or College
- College of Agricultural and Life Sciences