Imidacloprid is widely used as a systemic control for the exotic emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis. Application via trunk injection involves wounding that is typically repeated annually, raising concerns about long-term tree health. Non-invasive alternatives include high pressure soil application, and a new method using a bark-penetrant carrier (Pentra-bark). In 2005 trials at three sites, we compared these non-invasive techniques to a common trunk injection treatment (Mauget capsules). Measures of relative performance included progression of canopy dieback, leaf bioassays of adult feeding and survival, xylem imidacloprid concentration, and fall larval density.