Emerald Ash Borer has become a real risk to Cornwall. As per a report presented to city councilors, a swift action is needed. If timely action is not taken then all ash trees in the city will be dead within 10 to 15 years.

Absence of the ash trees could lead to many disastrous activities. Flora and fauna will be heavily affected, number of invasive species will increase, drainage problems will arise and safety of residents will also get compromised with.

Philip Van Wassanaer, an industry expert, said, "In most areas, once the pest is there 98 per cent of the trees will be gone unless they are treated with some sort of chemical".

If no step is taken then such a thing can be expected in Cornwall. Wassanaer told city councilors about the destructive nature of the beetle. It has killed vast number of trees in the eastern United States, Ontario and Quebec.

It does not seem that this thing is going to slow. The beetle's reproduction system is such that it results in the death of tree. The insect lays eggs below the bark of the tree on the major portions of the trunk.

When the larvae hatch, they start feeding on parts of the tree that is rich in nutrients and ultimately leading to the death of the tree.

Before some trees rot and fall over, it would be better to cut them, suggested Bernadette Clement. Reactive, moderate, active and aggressive are the four management suggestions highlighted by Clement.

The last three approaches, moderate, active and aggressive include replanting a component. Moreover, they would bear the same cost around $5.6-$5.8 million. With time and as per the progress, Clement thinks that the plan can be modified.

Intercontinental transportation from Asia to Canada could be the reason behind insect's migration. Not much research on the topic has been done so far. Therefore, experts are not sure whether insecticide injection will be able to save a tree that has not been affected much.