Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer, or Agrilus planipennis, is a small and shiny invasive species that has caused quite a stir in the world of arborists and tree-huggers alike.

Native to Asia, this pesky little beetle has made its way to North America and has been wreaking havoc ever since. Its favorite food? You guessed it, the beautiful and majestic ash tree.

Despite its name, the Emerald Ash Borer doesn’t actually like to eat emeralds. Instead, it prefers to munch on the inner bark of ash trees, which can lead to a slow and painful death for these beloved plants. Experts estimate that millions of ash trees have already been lost to the Emerald Ash Borer, leaving a wake of sad and lonely stumps in their place.

But hey, it’s not all bad news. The Emerald Ash Borer has brought people together in a shared quest to save the ash tree. Tree removal companies have never been busier, and arborists have become something of a celebrity as they work tirelessly to prevent the spread of this shiny little monster.

There are also some creative solutions out there. Some folks have tried trapping the Emerald Ash Borer with a special cocktail of pheromones (hey, who said insects can’t be wooed?). Others have resorted to using natural predators to keep the population in check (we’re talking tiny wasps that go to town on those beetles).

So let’s raise a glass (or an ash leaf, if you’re feeling particularly festive) to the Emerald Ash Borer. You may be small and shiny, but you sure know how to make an impact.