Invasive insect threatens Minnesota oak trees DNR says

The beetles crawl through damaged spots in a tree and lay their larvae inside, which feed on the inner layers, essential for growth and production.

[northerniltree]

This borer has been decimating Illinois oaks for 20 years. Called a chestnut borer as this was it's preferred host before the American chestnut tree was wiped out decades ago, it did not disappear, but has survived on infesting oak trees. Warmer winters and drought hasten the oak's decline. Treatments are good for 1-3 years, and can be expensive. But losing the oaks is devastating. Catching the oaks for treatment in time is essential. Better preventing it than treating it after the fact.

[douglasfick]

They are all over the place, you're not going to stop it, I have them in western Wisconsin also

[tg_ny]

So this is like the EAB wiping out our ash trees.

[cjkelly]

Please note, the tree must be in stress situation prior to insect damage. A healthy tree is fine. Need the whole story