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United States Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

The emerald ash borer threatens America's ash trees. Promise you won't move firewood.

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis or EAB) is responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in 30 states. Native to Asia, it likely arrived in the United States hidden in wood packing materials. The first U.S. identification of Emerald Ash Borer was in southeastern Michigan in 2002. There are a variety of treatment options that can serve as a control measure for the EAB, but they are not a cure. Because pesticide regulations differ from State to State, homeowners should contact their State department of agriculture or local extension office for guidance.

Latest News

The open comment period for the proposed rule to remove the domestic quarantine regulations for the emerald ash borer (EAB) closed on November 19, 2018. APHIS is reviewing all comments received during the comment period. Following its review of comments and information received on the proposal, APHIS will announce the final regulatory decision. The text of the final rule and discussion of the comments will be published in the Federal Register. To view the proposed rule and the comments received, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The beetle is currently found in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

See Pest Tracker for details
  • All 16 species of ash trees
  • White Fringetree
  • Firewood
  • Ash wood products
  • Infested ash plantings and trees
  • Ash wood packing material
  • Ash wood debris and trimmings, including chips
  • These materials can spread the infestation even if no beetles are visible.
  • Yellow, thin or wilted foliage
  • Unusual woodpecker presence and pecking holes
  • D-shaped beetle exit holes
  • Shoots growing from roots or a tree's trunk, often with larger-than-normal leaves
  • Don't move firewood. EAB larvae can survive hidden in the bark of firewood. Remember: buy local, burn local.
  • Inspect your trees. If you see any sign or symptom of an EAB infestation, contact your State agriculture agency.
  • Talk to friends, neighbors and co-workers about EAB and what they should be aware of on their trees.
  • Ask questions. If you receive ash nursery stock or firewood, know its point of origin and your supplier, as larvae could be hiding under the bark.
  • Know State and Federal regulations. Make sure you understand regulations that govern your state and those you may visit.
  • Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

 

What's at Risk from the Emerald Ash Borer:


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