Emerald Ash Borer – EAB Quick Facts:
Emerald Ash Borer History:
- EAB was discovered in 2002 in Michigan
- Brought to North America from Asia in wood crating on cargo ships
- EAB has no natural predator in the United States
- Quarantine attempts have been made but have not succeeded
- 20+ States infested.
- Spread through transportation of firewood
Emerald Ash Borer Lifecycle:
- EAB has a one to two year life cycle.
- Adult Emerald Ash Borers begin emerging from the bark of Ash trees in mid to late May until peak emergence in late June.
- 2 weeks after emergence females begin laying eggs.
- Eggs take 1-2 weeks to hatch and then bore through the bark into the cambium (the area between the bark and wood with high nutrient levels.)
- Larvae feed for several months, this is when the damage to the tree occurs, then overwinter in a small chamber in the outer bark.
How EAB Is Spread:
- Adults can fly at least ½ a mile, some up to 3 miles which spreads the infestations.
- Most infestations crossing long distances occur when people move infested nursery trees, logs, or firewood to uninfested areas.
Emerald Ash Borer Effect On Our Environment:
- Has the potential to virtually eliminate ash trees from North American forests and communities.
- Ash trees are home and food to over a 100 of animals and insects. Without Ash trees these insects run the risk of becoming extinct.
- “You end up with a different ecosystem that different species prefer and where the old ones can’t do as well,” -Kathleen Knight, a research ecologist with the Forest Service.
- Baseball bats are made out of Ash wood. No ash trees = no baseball bats.
Emerald Ash Borer Signs & Symptoms:
- Canopy dieback, beginning at the top and progressing downward.
- In later stages, ash trees may form sprouts from the truck and roots.
- Increased woodpecker activity.
- Bark can split, exposing “S”- shaped galleries underneath.
- “D” Shaped exit holes in bark about 1/8 inch in diameter.
 “S” Shaped Galleries |  Woodpecker Activity On An Ash Tree |  “D” Shaped Exit Holes |
Emerald Ash Borer Treatment:
- There are three insecticide options available to protect against EAB; A topical spray, a soil drench/injection, and a trunk injection.
- Best treatment depends on the location of your tree and should be determined by a Certified Arborist.
- When the right treatment option is chosen and applied correctly, there is no harm to the tree, humans, animals, or the general surrounding environment including other trees and plants.