Emerald Ash Borer
EAB Information:
Click below for other insects:
ID:
EAB is small ¾ inch wood boring insect, with chewing mouthparts. Adults are covered in metallic green scales. The top of their bodies are relatively flat, which creates characteristic D shaped exit holes from adults. Larvae cause the most damage to trees, by creating serpentine tunnels underneath bark. Pupae develop to adults in approximately 20 days. Eggs are small at 1 mm.
Signs and Symptoms:
Larvae of this species can cause major damage and eventually death in ash trees including, white and green ash. Larvae create large serpentine tunnels in the cambium of ash trees. Tunneling damages the vascular system of ash trees, preventing the transport of water and nutrients. Initial signs start as branch and foliage dieback. Infested trees can die as quickly as 1-2 years, if left untreated. Adults leave D-shaped exit holes, which indicates breeding populations.
Spread and Impacts:
EAB has caused severe damage to ash populations in over half of the United States, killing millions of individuals. In Kentucky, EAB has invaded over 100 counties. This species has spread rapidly since it was discovered in 2002. The damage has affected many industries and landowners. They can travel on firewood and through timber, which should be treated before distribution.
Control:
There are a variety of control methods that are used to manage this pest. Treating established ash trees with an injectable systemic insecticide is favored for high value trees, especially in landscape settings. For species that are heavily infested with irreversible damage, removal is recommended to stop the spread to other trees. Depending on market conditions, infested trees can be harvested for lumber. Trees can become fragile when heavily invested, which can be hazardous, especially in urban areas, and should be removed preemptively.
Publications:
- Woodland Owners
- Wood Industry
Advice For Woodland Owners Threatened with Emerald Ash Borer
As the Emerald Ash Borer spreads across Kentucky woodland owners will be faced with making decisions about how to respond. The link above provides an article from the Kentucky Woodlands Magazine to assist in the decision making process.
Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees From Emerald Ash Borer
Click on the above link for a publication on protecting Ash trees from EAB.
Threats To Forest Health: The Exotic Emerald Ash Borer
Kentucky Woodlands Magazine Volume 1 Issue 1
Learn more about Emerald Ash Borer by clicking on the above link.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) FAQs for Kentuckians
This website developed by UK's Entomology Department has been developed to provide information on the status of the emerald ash borer in Kentucky and some general information about the insect as it relates to spread and management.
- 2018 White Paper on Ambrosia Beetle Damage to Dead Ash in KY: Prevalence and Economic Impact to Loggers in Northern Kentucky - As the emerald ash borer continues to kill ash it is important to keep in mind that dead ash can not stand for too long before being harvested or it will be damaged by ambrosia beetles. While damaged logs are still marketable and have a range of potential uses, they are worth substantially less than undamaged logs and this should be considered when planning harvests including ash in emerald ash borer affected areas.
- 2018 EAB Treatments for Ash Lumber, Firewood, Logs, and Sawmill Residuals - The information contained in this fact sheet describes the requirements and procedures for kiln sterilization, fumigation, composting, and heat treatment methods that can be used to treat green lumber, logs, chips and other sawmill residuals, and firewood that meet the requirements for shipping out of an Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine area.
- 2018 Shipping Ash Lumber and Other Ash Products - Information contained in this fact sheet is specific for sawmill personnel and others involved in the purchase or shipping of ash wood products.
- 2018 Cutting and Hauling Ash Logs - This fact sheet provides information to loggers and those involved in the sale or purchase of ash timber and logs in Kentucky. Information in this fact sheet concentrates on the hauling or shipping of ash logs of all types, and pulp or chip wood containing ash.
- Heat Sterilization of Ash Firewood for Thermal Eradication of Emerald Ash Borer
- Forestry Emerald Ash Borer – Industry Note June 2012 -- Shipping and Hauling Hardwood Firewood - Information contained in this fact sheet is specific for individuals involved in the shipping of hardwood firewood. A certificate is needed to ship hardwood firewood that is produced in an Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Zone. This fact sheet describes the rules and how to obtain the certificates. For specific information on logging, lumber, and other ash wood products see the references at the end of this fact sheet.
- General Industry Note July 2012 - The state of Kentucky has issued a regional quarantine on ash products and hardwood firewood, click the above link to learn more.
- Forestry Emerald Ash Borer – Industry Note May 2012
