Emerald Ash Borer
See DEC's Press Release for more information about the first confirmed EAB infestation in New York.
Emerald Ash Borer (click to see enlarged photo)
Photograph credit: 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 (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.
Map showing 50 and 100 mile buffers around
known EAB sites including the first site found
in New York State. View enlarged image.
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.
More about Emerald Ash Borer:
- Media and Educator Information Relating to EAB - Press releases, educator materials, printable materials
- 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.
- EAB Information for the Rural Forest Owner - Information for woodland owners about the emerald ash borer (EAB).
- EAB Information for the Wood Products Industry - Useful information for the wood products industry relating to emerald ash borer.
- Emerald Ash Borer FAQs - Frequently asked questions about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis)
- EAB Identification - The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a shiny green beetle that kills living ash trees.
- EAB Regulations and Quarantines - Federal and state regulations and quarantines relating to the emerald ash borer.
- Private Woodland Management in Anticipation of Emerald Ash Borer - This publication serves to alert private forest owners to the potential for changes in their woods and considerations for their management actions with relation to the emerald ash borer.
- Testing Log Debarkers to Treat Logs Affected by EAB - Discussion of a research project to evaluate using commercial log debarking equipment to reduce the costs of emerald ash borer (EAB) eradication and the disposal of EAB infested trees.
- Emerald Ash Borer Photograph - Photograph of Emerald Ash borer.
- Enlarged Map of EAB Danger - Map showing 50 and 100 mile buffers around known eab sites outside of the U.S. Buffer areas reach into western NY.
