Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
View updated EAB quarantine areas as of April 2013.
Emerald Ash Borer. Photograph:
David Cappaert. http://www.forestryimages.org/
Please note: If you have ash trees, stop and learn more before you act. The potential threat of emerald ash borer (EAB) is real; however, acting without understanding the specific threat to your trees, regulations and quarantines, and your options, could cause the unnecessary loss of treasured shade trees, or loss of substantial income from your woodlot. For more information, please see the links in the right hand column of this page.
The emerald ash borer is smaller than
a penny. Photo: Howard Russell,
MI State U., www.forestryimages.org
The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002 in southeastern Michigan. It was also found in Windsor, Ontario the same year. This Asian beetle infests and kills North American ash species (Fraxinus sp.) including green, white, black and blue ash. Thus, all native ash trees are susceptible. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Adults are roughly 3/8 to 5/8 inch long with metallic green wing covers and a coppery red or purple abdomen. They may be present from late May through early September but are most common in June and July. Signs of infection include tree canopy dieback, yellowing, and browning of leaves.
EAB larvae can reach 2 3/4 inches long.
Photo: David Cappaert
Most trees die within 2 to 4 years of becoming infested. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the destruction of over 50 million ash trees in the U.S. since its discovery in Michigan.
After reviewing the identification material on this website, if you think you have EAB, call the Department's EAB and Firewood hotline at 1-866-640-0652.
Read a Conservationist article on EAB.
Watch a clip about Emerald Ash Borer on DEC TV.
Maps
Risk of EAB relative to current
locations.View enlarged map.
Printer-friendly version of EAB
risk map. View enlarged map
(PDF) (1.8 MB)
Links for User Groups
Links to general information about the emerald ash borer:
- Look for and Report EAB!
- Frequently Asked Questions - about emerald ash borer
- Emerald Ash Borer Management Response Plan (PDF) (2.5 MB)
- Regulations and Quarantines - relative to EAB
- Don't Move Firewood - in order to protect our forests from invasive insects and diseases
- EAB Early Detection: What is it and why is it important (PDF) (500 KB)
- View Asian Longhorned Beetle materials for educators
The rest of these links lead off the DEC website. By clicking on them, you will leave the DEC website.
- Multi-state website devoted to EAB information
- NY Invasive Species Clearinghouse - Funded by DEC
- EAB Cost Calculator - Purdue University
- Ash Tree Replacement Information
- USDA APHIS EAB webpage - U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Emerald Ash Borer Pest Alert - put out by the U.S. Forest Service 2004
- US Forest Service Northeastern Area EAB webpage
- US Forest Service Northeast Research Station - EAB Research
- Time Magazine - DEC Forestry staff in Region 3 working on the Department's Slow Ash Mortality (SLAM) program to slow the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer
- Minnesota Animated Video - from Minnesota
- USDA Animated Video - great for elementary aged children
More about Emerald Ash Borer (EAB):
- Look For and Report EAB - Public involvement is vital to detecting infestations of the emerald ash borer.
- EAB Regulations and Quarantines - Federal and state regulations and quarantines relating to the emerald ash borer.
- Emerald Ash Borer FAQs - Frequently asked questions about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis)
- EAB Information for the Rural Forest Owner - Information for woodland owners about the emerald ash borer (EAB).
- EAB Information for Municipalities - How to get ready for and deal with the aftermath of EAB
- EAB Information for the Wood Products Industry - Useful information for the wood products industry relating to emerald ash borer.
- EAB Homeowner Information - Information about the emeral ash borer (EAB), how to identify it, detect it and what the public can do address the threats of this invasive insect.
- Media and Educator Information Relating to EAB - Press releases, educator materials, printable materials
- History of EAB in New York State - The purpose of Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is to encourage people to become better educated about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and the destruction it causes.
- EAB Statewide Risk Map - Areas of risk based on distance from eab infestations and finds
