Learn About Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a pest infestation that has become a major problem in the U.S. over the last 10 years. The outbreak of these tree pests has forced a quarantine to be placed on Ramsey, Hennepin, Houston and Winona counties, as cases of EAB have been found in areas close to Woodbury, Minnesota, among other cities. Out of every state in the U.S., Minnesota has the largest concentration of ash trees, so it is important to know what EAB is, how to spot it and how to manage it.

What is Emerald Ash Borer?
EAB is a native beetle of Asia that was likely introduced to the United States in the 1990s. It was first discovered in Michigan and has since been found in ten other states, including Minnesota. It has also been found in Ontario and Quebec. The borer larvae burrow into ash trees and collect the tree’s nutrients, killing the trees within two to four years.

How do I spot it?
EAB is a thin insect that is roughly one-third to one-half of an inch in length. It can be recognized by its shimmering, forest green body. An ash tree infested with EAB can be identified as having small, D-shaped holes where the pest has entered, beneath its bark. A decline in the foliage thickness and an increase in dieback are also signs of infestation, as well as the presence of woodpeckers, who feed on the EAB larvae. EAB attack ash trees of all sizes and maturity, but often prey on those that are unhealthy.

How do I manage it?
The best way to manage EAB is to contain it. Do not transplant or transport ash wood, at any capacity, within the quarantine to areas outside of the infestation boundaries. This includes firewood and tree waste. If you believe there is an infestation in your area, Ostvig Tree Care provides EAB treatments. If you live within 12-15 miles of an infestation, you may want to consider treating your trees for EAB, as there are highly effective insecticides available.

Keeping your trees healthy is a very important part of managing your landscape. While you may not have ash trees in your yard, it is important to know about the different types of tree diseases and pest infestations, such as Bur Oak Blight. Knowing about what diseases and pests affect certain trees is the best way to protect our forestry.