Ash borer strikes Woodstock trees

WOODSTOCK – The Illinois Department of Agriculture confirmed Thursday that the emerald ash borer has made its way to Woodstock.

The invasive, destructive insect was identified in three locations in the Bull Valley Greens subdivision off McConnell Road, according to a news release. This is the first confirmed instance of the insect in Woodstock.

According to the release, the size of the infestation is unknown. Residents are encouraged to stop the insect’s spread by not moving firewood out of quarantined areas, learning about the characteristics of an infested tree, and reporting ash trees that might be infested to the Department of Agriculture by calling 800-641-3934.

An adult emerald ash borer is a metallic-green insect that is about a half-inch long, and an eighth of an inch wide. These insects burrow into the bark of ash trees and lay eggs, according to the news release. The larvae hatching from their eggs chew their way through vessels under tree bark, cutting off the flow of nutrients to the tree and eventually killing it.

Emerald ash borers do not post direct risk to public health, the news release said.

For information or to report a possible instance of the insect, call Woodstock Public Works at 815-338-6118 or the Illinois Department of Agriculture.

– Diana Sroka