07/11/2025
In honour of Stampede, we’ve rounded up a few of YYC’s most disliked, damaging or diabolical pests who’ve ridden into town (uninvited). Remember – these are baddies (ranging from annoying to downright nasty ne’er-do-wells); use caution and common sense when dealing with these varmints.
🪲 Emerald Ash Borer: The Green Bandit 🪲
This green desperado, hailing from distant lands, is a scourge on ash trees. Its deceptively seductive emerald shimmer is the bug equivalent of a Villainous Saloon Girl—so pretty you don’t know you’re in trouble... until she’s pulled a pistol from her bloomers and it’s too late for you... and your poor elm tree.
Like a silent thief in the night, the Emerald Ash Borer tunnels through trees with its signature D-shaped exit holes marking the sites of its nefarious deeds—this is one “Emerald D Ranch” you DON’T want to visit.
Other signs include bark falling off the tree, Northern Flickers setting up camp in your ash (they love eating the EAB), and crown dieback (aka dying branches in the upper and outer portions near the top of the tree).
Help defend our trees against this real smart ash – if you see these bugs in your ashes or public trees, call in the sheriffs lickity split (aka ISA-Certified Arborists) AND report it to 311.
And help prevent EAB in Calgary by never transporting firewood. Burn it where you buy it, Cowpokes!
Learn more at https://brnw.ch/21wTZrH !
