January 1, 2019
Emerald ash borer confirmed in Ontario
After five years of trapping and testing, government officials confirmed the presence of emerald ash borers in Owen Sound, Ont. The pest has been responsible for tree damage in nearby Meaford and Georgian Bluffs in recent years, but had not been found in the central Ontario municipality until October 2018. A city press release encouraged homeowners to hire qualified contractors with valid pesticide applicator’s licenses and who are trained to inoculate ash trees, to protect against infestation on private properties.
Emerald ash borer is an invasive species, native to Asia, that has killed over 100 million trees in North America since 2002. The insect’s larvae destroy the layer under a tree’s bark, preventing the tree from transporting its nutrients and water.