The Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle that destroys ash trees. It is a half-inch long metallic green beetle with the scientific name Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. Ash borers feed exclusively on ash trees. The borer larvae live underneath the tree bark, cutting off the tree’s nutrients and water flow.
Signs of infestation include D-shaped larvae exit holes, S-shaped larval tracks under the tree bark, splitting and flaking of bark, and woodpecker activity. Tens of millions of ash trees have been lost to this pest, which usually kills ash trees within 3-4 years of infestation.
New infestations are difficult to detect, as damage to the tree may not be apparent for up to three years.