Emerald Ash Borer Alert, Howard County Maryland

The Emerald Ash Borer, as shown, has arrived into Howard County. This nasty pest is moving ever closer to Baltimore City. Baltimore City has approximately 300,000 Ash trees. The cost, just to remove a dead or dying tree is in the neighborhood of $500-1000. The Ash is planted in our cities since Ash trees are drought resistant and can tolerate adverse conditions.

The Emerald Ash borer is actually rather striking in appearance. From a bright glossy green on the wings to brilliant purple abdominal segments, you will be able to know immediately what you are seeing. Unfortunately, you may not see the borer! You will see, however, the damage caused by the insect. Very often the borers can be found in firewood. NEVER transport firewood from your home to a new location. The beetle will infest firewood. Transporting of firewood as of now is not permitted over county lines in the state of Maryland.

It is just a matter of time before Anne Arundel County, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties will find the Emerald Ash Borer. If you are in doubt about the insect you have found please contact the county extension agent. As a society we need to do everything we can to prevent the spread of the beetle.

To make the situation worse there are other beetles that are somewhat similar in appearance to the Emerald variety. Most notably, the bronze birch borer, the six spotted tiger beetle and the two lined Chestnut borer are often mistaken for the Ash borer. The damage is caused by the small tunnels that are eaten into the tree just under the bark. These tunnels disrupt the flow of water and nutrients to the tree. A tell tale sign is the dying off of the top of the canopy of the tree, the sudden growth of shoots at the base of the tree, severe splitting in the bark and a dramatic increase of wood pecker activity on the Ash tree.

Do not hesitate to CONTACT US, especially if you are a resident of Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Calvert or St. Mary’s counties, if you even suspect the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Mark Leahy is the President of Blades of Green lawn Care and Pest Control, a family owned lawn care and pest control company. Mark has concentrated his efforts in Central Maryland as well as Maryland's Eastern Shore. Mark has over 20 years experience in the Lawn and Pest Control Industries.

As a member of PlANET, the Chesapeake Club, NPMA, Pest World, the Turf Grass Council and Quality Pro; Mark is well qualified in the lawn care and pest control industries. Certified by the State of Maryland; Mark can advise all Marylanders' in the areas of lawn care and pest control. Mark can be reached: Mark@bladesofgreen.com, 410.867.8873 or on the web site: Bladesofgreen.com

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