Emerald Ash Borer - Ask Extension
I had an Ash tree taken down that was clearly damaged by EAB. I had the log milled thinking that the damage would be mostly to the outer parts of the...
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Emerald Ash Borer #877691
Asked July 17, 2024, 5:02 PM EDT
I had an Ash tree taken down that was clearly damaged by EAB. I had the log milled thinking that the damage would be mostly to the outer parts of the trunk. It seems the damage extends all the way through the log. My question is should I discard the slabs or treat them to kill any remaining larvae and use the lumber , as it does have a weird but unique character .
Thanks Dave
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Hello Dave,
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) only tunnels in the cambium, the layer of living wood just under the bark, which is why their damage and resulting canopy dieback is so significant. They do not chew into the heartwood, though other species of wood-boring insects can, like various other native beetles, like the Redheaded Ash Borer.
We do not have woodworking training or experience, but wood should not need to be treated for borers, nor would much affect them if larvae are still inside galleries (the chewed tunnels) in the wood. (If formerly borer-infested wood were to be used for firewood, it should definitely not be exposed to any pesticides.) As the wood dries, any remaining borer generations will either finish development and exit or will die out. (Other beetle types can survive in very dry wood, but they are much smaller.)
Miri
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) only tunnels in the cambium, the layer of living wood just under the bark, which is why their damage and resulting canopy dieback is so significant. They do not chew into the heartwood, though other species of wood-boring insects can, like various other native beetles, like the Redheaded Ash Borer.
We do not have woodworking training or experience, but wood should not need to be treated for borers, nor would much affect them if larvae are still inside galleries (the chewed tunnels) in the wood. (If formerly borer-infested wood were to be used for firewood, it should definitely not be exposed to any pesticides.) As the wood dries, any remaining borer generations will either finish development and exit or will die out. (Other beetle types can survive in very dry wood, but they are much smaller.)
Miri
