MENUImported, invasive pests are coming at us in droves. Last week, I wrote about the emerald ash borer, but this is only one invasive pest that came from abroad. Granted it’s getting most of the attention because it’s the most active invasive here.Last month, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County held a first detectors seminar to train arborists and other professionals on how to detect the hemlock woolly adelgid and Asian longhorned beetle as well as the EAB. We’ve treated for some hemlock woolly adelgid but we have fewer hemlocks than ash trees in our area.The Asian longhorned beetle is the real bad guy. This pest isn’t fussy about what it eats as long as it’s wood. Fortunately, it has been contained in a small area on Long Island. However, a few outbreaks have been reported in other places and authorities moved in and dealt with them quickly. So, they have been able to eradicate it in these locations. Like the emerald ash borer, the Asian longhorned beetle’s principal means of transportation is in illegally moved firewood.In addition to the foreign invaders, we also have a number of home grown pests that we still need to control. These include aphids, scale and various other bugs. Every once in a while, gypsy moth will rear its ugly head and we have to take swift action to keep it from gaining a foothold again.A Plant Health Care program assures you that a trained professional will visit your property at least once a month during the growing season and can take appropriate action while insects are most vulnerable. This approach often allows us to use less aggressive treatment methods than if you called us after you see a target insect. At that point, many have already done their damage.
