What Eats The Emerald Ash Borer

Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about a tiny, not-so-humble insect that's been causing a real ruckus in the tree world. We're talking about the Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB for short. Now, don't let the cute name fool you. This little green menace is no picnic guest. It's more like that one cousin who shows up at family gatherings, eats all the buffalo wings, and then passes out on the couch.

Meet the Borer

So, who is this tiny troublemaker? The EAB is a beetle, native to East Asia, that's about the size of a grain of rice. It's emerald green, hence the name, and it's got a real thing for ash trees. It's like they're the only ones who'll have it for dinner, and they're not about to settle for a side salad.

Now, you might be thinking, "Hey, that's not so bad. I've got a few ash trees in my backyard. I'll just keep an eye on them." Well, hold onto your gardening gloves, because here's where things get interesting.

Why Ash Trees?

You see, the EAB doesn't just like ash trees. It loves them. It's like they're the EAB's personal buffet, and it's not leaving until it's had its fill. The reason? Well, it turns out that ash trees are like the EAB's favorite comfort food. They've got these little chemical compounds in them that the EAB just can't resist. It's like they're the EAB's version of mom's homemade apple pie.

But here's the thing: the EAB doesn't just eat the ash trees. No, no, no. That would be too easy. The EAB kills the ash trees. It lays its eggs under the bark, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the tree and start munching on the inner bark. This cuts off the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients, and before you know it, the tree is as good as gone.

So, What Eats the Emerald Ash Borer?

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, okay, I get it. The EAB is a real party pooper. But surely, there's something out there that eats it, right?" Well, here's where things get a bit surprising.

You see, the EAB doesn't have a lot of natural predators in North America. It's like it's the new kid in town, and nobody knows how to deal with it yet. But don't worry, Mother Nature is nothing if not resourceful. She's been working on a few solutions.

Wasps to the Rescue

Enter the Tetrastichus planipennisi, a tiny wasp from East Asia. This little guy is the EAB's natural predator, and it's been busy making a name for itself in North America. It lays its eggs in EAB larvae, and when the wasp larvae hatch, they eat the EAB larvae from the inside out. It's like a real-life horror movie, but for the EAB's benefit.

But here's the kicker: the wasp is so tiny that it can only fly when it's windy. So, it's like it's waiting for the perfect storm to go out and hunt for EAB larvae. Talk about a dramatic entrance.

Biological Control

Another solution is something called biological control. This involves introducing natural predators of the EAB into the area. For example, there's a fungus called the Beauveria bassiana that can infect and kill EAB larvae. It's like a tiny, invisible assassin, waiting to take out the EAB when it least expects it.

But here's where things get a bit tricky. You see, these natural predators and pathogens have to be introduced carefully. You don't want to accidentally start a new invasion. It's like trying to get rid of a pest in your house without inviting in a whole new set of pests. It's a delicate balance.

What Can You Do?

So, what can you do to help? Well, first of all, keep an eye on your ash trees. If you notice any signs of EAB damage, like D-shaped holes in the bark or canopy dieback, report it to your local forestry service. They can come out and take a look, and maybe even treat the tree if it's caught early enough.

But here's the thing: prevention is the best cure. If you've got ash trees in your yard, consider diversifying your tree portfolio. Plant some different types of trees to add to your landscape's biodiversity. It's like investing in a variety of stocks. You don't want to put all your eggs in one basket, or in this case, all your trees in one species.

And remember, folks, the EAB might be a tiny pest, but it's causing a big problem. So, let's do our part to help protect our trees and keep our landscapes looking beautiful.

Until next time, happy gardening!