Ash trees are plentiful in Grand Junction, CO, and they often attract insects that feed on them. Two of the most common insects that infest ash trees are bark beetles and lilac ash borers. Bark beetles lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which then feed on the inner bark of ash trees, causing damage and weakening the tree. Lilac ash borers also deposit larvae, which tunnel through the tree's trunk and feed on it. If you notice any signs of these insects, it's important to contact the professionals right away to prevent your tree from sustaining too much damage!

What are bark beetles, and what kind of damage do they cause?

Bark beetle on an ash tree in Grand Junction, CO.

Bark beetles are small insects that infest ash trees, and they are typically dark brown or black in color. These beetles lay eggs under the bark of ash trees, and once the larvae hatch, they feed on the inner bark, creating winding tunnels as they move through the tree. This feeding process disrupts the tree's ability to transport nutrients and water, eventually leading to the tree's decline. Additionally, the tunneling of the larvae weakens the tree's structure, making it more susceptible to breakage and damage from wind or other environmental stressors.

Bark beetle damage in an ash tree can appear as small holes or entry points on the tree's bark, typically in a random pattern. As the larvae feed and create tunnels under the bark, the tree may show signs of wilting or yellowing leaves, along with thinning of the canopy.

Bark beetles commonly cause limb dieback and crown thinning in Colorado ash trees.

What are lilac ash borers, and what damage do they cause?

Lilac ash borer matured adult on ash tree in Grand Junction, CO.

Lilac ash borers are destructive insects that pose a threat to ash trees. These wood-boring moths bear a strong resemblance to paper wasps, and their larvae are cream-colored with a dark head. The larvae primarily concentrate their feeding in the lower trunk region, particularly near the base of the tree. However, their tunneling activity can also extend into the lower limbs and slightly above.

Initially, their feeding behavior results in the production of gouging wounds under the bark, but as the larvae grow older, they may extensively tunnel the trunk. External symptoms of an infestation include irregularly swollen areas on the trunk and lower branches, as well as an increased production of small branches on the trunk.

Tunneling ash borer larvae may occasionally expel granular sawdust from the trunk, which can collect around small, circular openings.

Contact the pros immediately if you think your ash tree is infested with bark beetles or lilac ash borers!

If you observe any indications of bark beetle or lilac ash borer activity on your ash trees in Grand Junction, CO, it's crucial to promptly reach out to tree care professionals. These professionals possess the knowledge and experience to conduct thorough inspections, accurately identify the specific insects infesting them, and provide highly targeted and effective treatments to eliminate the pests.

Call today to schedule our bark beetle and lilac ash borer treatments.

Are you concerned about your ash tree in Grand Junction, CO, being infested with bark beetles or lilac ash borers? If so, our team at Mesa Turf Masters is here to help! We specialize in targeted treatments, such as bark drenches and trunk injections, that effectively eliminate these pests. Specifically, we offer a bark beetle treatment and a lilac ash borer treatment. You can schedule these services for your property's trees not only in Grand Junction but also in Fruita, Palisade, and other nearby cities. Get started today by calling us at (970) 434-5440 to schedule our insect control services for your ash trees!