The Emerald ash Borer (Agrilius planipennis) is an insect that attacks and kills all species of ash, except mountain ash which is not a true ash. This is what it looks like:

It has reached the City of Montreal which has deployed a major initiative to save the trees that have already been  infected and, more importantly, to prevent its spread. You will find links on the topic in the links section of this Web site.

Duncan Campbell has kindly provided me with information and advice I am here sharing with you. The advice is simple and straightforward: do not  transport firewood from one area to another as this is a prime method of propagating the insect.  There are areas of Quebec now where no wood can come in or out to stop the propagation.  Unfortunately, many of our residents bring wood from their home to their cottage or vice versa.

Firewood from unknown provenance could have been infected prior to its felling. It is another reason why a permit is required from the municipality to cut a tree – not just a cash grab, as some would think – but an inspection of the tree as to why it is dead or dying can be part of a prevention program.

At the AGM, someone said to  burn the trees and branches. This is not an acceptable method of eliminating the bug (plus it adds pollution). Trees have to be cut and chipped up to eliminate the chance that the larvae will propagate.

Bottom line: the best way to prevent the bug’s arrival in Dunany is to buy your firewood locally.