Safari Insecticide Granted SLN Label for Emerald Ash Borer in Ohio

Safari Insecticide from Valent Professional Products was granted a special local needs (SLN) label to control emerald ash borer (EAB) in Ohio—an insect currently causing significant damage and even death to millions of the state’s ash trees.

Safari is a unique EAB control tool for arborists and lawn care operators because it can be applied through bark application and is quickly translocated throughout the ash tree. Research has shown that bark-applied treatments are easier, less expensive and generally less harmful to the tree and environment than other types of applications.

“Safari is the only non-invasive, systemic material that will control a generation of EAB the same season it is applied,” says Jason Fausey, Ph.D., Valent field market development specialist. “The other insecticides available for EAB will typically only control next year’s generation, so Safari is the fastest-acting solution for this serious problem.”

Data from university trial work with Safari on ash trees shows high concentration of the product throughout the foliage in as little as 21 days after application, meaning Safari quickly controls EAB throughout the tree. In addition to its super-systemic activity, Safari also delivers complete, season-long control of the devastating EAB.

“With the SLN label, this year Ohio arborists and lawn care operators can make applications of Safari as late as May and get rapid, comprehensive EAB control for the year,” Fausey says. “As those who have fought to control EAB in Ohio know, a product like Safari is greatly needed to help stop the desolation of the state’s population of ash trees.”

The Ohio State University estimates that more than 25 million of the state’s ash trees have already died from EAB infestations and The Ohio Department of Agriculture estimates that the state’s 3.8 million ash trees in the state’s forests and neighborhoods are threatened by the pest.

Fausey notes that the SLN label for Safari is the result of the in-depth research and hard work of several dedicated Ohio researchers determined to find an effective solution to the EAB problem.