Suspected emerald ash borer case on Sussex's Main Street
State investigates dying trees on Weaver Drive
It has not been confirmed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, but there is a possible case of emerald ash borer in the Village of Sussex.
Three trees a quarter-mile south of Main Street on the east side of Weaver Drive are reportedly either dying or infected by the metallic green beetle that kills ash trees. Jane Larson, spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said the case is being investigated by the department.
"We have not found any beetles in our traps in Waukesha County," Larson said. "The tree may actually be infested with emerald ash borer but not show signs."
Dave Scharfenberger, president of Wachtel Tree Science and Services in Merton, said the large purple traps used to catch the beetles are not as reliable as those used for bugs such as gypsy moths because the technology is not as advanced. He also said it's hard to tell whether there is an infestation because the beetles are small and live underneath the trees' bark.
"It kills the trees slowly," Scharfenberger said. "They eat through the plumbing system in a tree."
It typically takes several years for the beetles to kill a tree. The adult beetles, which fly in the summer, lay eggs on the bark, and the larvae burrow into the tree to live. The tree starts to die because the beetles eat wood that transports water and nutrients. Scharfenberger said there are more than 700 million ash trees in Wisconsin.
"I think a lot of people don't realize the kind of impact it can have," Scharfenberger said. "As much as 20 percent of city trees are ash trees. There's a potential huge cost here for cities."
The first case appeared in Southeastern Wisconsin in August 2008. Scharfenberger said the beetle is originally from China, and within the last 10 years has made its way to Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and now Wisconsin.
"They feel one of the main ways it moves is through firewood," Scharfenberger said.
Larson said the DATCP and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have tried to encourage homeowners and campers to use certified firewood and not move kindling to limit the spread.
"If you go camping, buy firewood where you burn it," Larson said.
Trees that are infected show some signs of infestation, such as thinning tree tops, extra water sprouts or growth around the base and D-shaped exit holes on the trees bark. Once a tree is infected, there are products that can be injected into the soil that travel through the roots to help heal it and protect it for about two years, but Scharfenberger said before seeking treatment it's important to evaluate the situation and consider planting.
"It's not just about control, it's also about replacing," Scharfenberger said. "It's really a matter of looking at what you have and if it's worth protecting. To try and heal a sick tree is harder than trying to keep a healthy tree healthy."
Aerial sprays that are used for bugs such as gypsy moths cannot be used for the beetles because, like the traps, the advances in technology are not available. The larval state is the only stage in which the beetles can be controlled. At that time, the bugs are living under the bark with an estimated 1,000 beetles living on a tree that's infested, Scharfenberger said
Currently there are no reported cases in Waukesha County of the bug, but that could soon change. This is something those familiar with Dutch elm disease do not want to hear. The disease, which is also spread through beetles, was responsible for wiping out a number of elm trees worldwide.
"It's early," Scharfenberger said. "There are going to be more invasive insect species over time. It's just a matter of time before they are widespread."
To report a suspected case of emerald ash borer contact the DATCP at (800) 462-2803 or e-mail eab@dat cp.state.wi.us.
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