Information on the Emerald Ash Borer

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced the discovery of an emerald ash borer infestation in St. Paul just northeast of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Highway 280. This is the first detection of the destructive tree pest in Minnesota.

For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/index.htm

What is Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)?
EAB is an insect that attacks and kills ash trees. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees. Trees are killed by the tunneling of the larvae under the tree's bark.
Where is EAB?
EAB is native to eastern Asia but was discovered in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario in 2002. Indications are it may have been introduced to this area as early 1990. EAB has been spread in ash firewood, nursery stock and possibly other ash materials to a number of new areas.
Why should I care about EAB?
All ash trees are susceptible to EAB and millions of ash trees have been killed in infested areas already. Minnesota has one of the highest volumes of ash on forestland in the U.S. with an estimated 867 million forestland ash trees and ash is a prominent component of our urban forests as well. The potential economic and environmental impacts of losing these trees is substantial. The cost of removing and replacing a single tree can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars – how many ash trees are in your yard?
Do I Have Emerald Ash Borer?
Please take a moment to work through this checklist (PDF: 245 KB / 1 page) if you believe you have found emerald ash borer (EAB), or have seen a tree infested with EAB. While we take every report seriously, there are a number of other insects that can be confused with EAB or cause symptoms on trees that resemble those caused by EAB. If what you have seen is not EAB we want to help you determine that as easily as possible. The checklist will either help you to rule out EAB, or it will help you get in contact with an EAB First Detector. EAB First Detectors are volunteers trained to help guide citizens in diagnosing and reporting potential infestations of EAB in Minnesota.

"Arrest the Pest" Hotline
651-201-6684 - Metro Area
or
1-888-545-6684 - Greater Minnesota
Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us

What can I do about EAB?
Don't import materials to Minnesota that could harbor EAB such as ash firewood. Become knowledgeable about recognizing EAB and remain vigilant to the condition of your ash trees. The Minnesota EAB Science Advisory Group has prepared a document (PDF: 51 KB / 6 pages) describing the pros and cons of planting ash trees, pre-emptive removal and insecticide use.
What should I do if my ash tree is in decline?
Review diagnostic aids for identifying EAB symptoms, look into resources on maintaining tree health and/or consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person.
What can I do to keep my trees healthy?
Plant a variety of trees, use proper planting techniques, review resources on maintaining tree health and/or consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person.
For more information visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website.
http://www.mda.state.mn.us/index.htm