by Trix Niernberger
The emerald ash borer, the beetle that has destroyed over 50 million ash trees in the United States, has been discovered in Stephentown. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) found the beetles in the purple cardboard traps hung in trees just south and west of Stephentown center. In this wood gathering season, DEC is urging area residents to identify ash wood and not move it. Residents should not purchase or accept ash from Stephentown
[private]“There may be a fairly substantial infestation in Rensselaer County. We looked two weeks ago, but haven’t found it yet. The best time to survey, however, is April and May, when the leaves are off the trees and there is woodpecker evidence of the ash borer attack,” said Jerry
Carlson, Chief of Forest Health and Protection at DEC.
Carlson said the emerald ash borer is, “very difficult to see at this time of year.” Pregnant females lay eggs on the bark of ash trees in July and August. The little larvae bore into the trees and remain there over the winter. “Next spring when they start feeding, they will excavate large areas under the bark,” continued Carlson.
Most ash trees die within two to four years after infection. If you identify the emerald ash borer, call the free firewood hotline at 1-866-640-0652. In the meantime, do not move ash wood.
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