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Emerald Ash Borer

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The emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive wood-boring beetle from Asia, is

responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees in North

America. EAB lays its eggs in the bark crevices of ash trees. The eggs hatch and the

larvae burrow into the tree where they feed. This feeding is what damages the trees.

We have detected EAB infestations in 36 States and the District of Columbia.
EAB is difficult to detect early when pest populations are small because damage to

the trees is hidden under the bark and tree decline is gradual. The beetle is wellsuited to our climate, is a good flyer, and spreads naturally. People contribute to the

long-distance spread of the beetle when they move EAB-infested ash firewood, logs

or nursery stock. EAB was first detected in North America in 2002 in southeast

Michigan.

What To Look For

This invasive insect can attack and kill healthy ash trees in forests, and urban,

suburban and rural settings. Here's what to look for:

Appearance

EAB adults are metallic green with a coppery-red abdomen and about one-half

inch long.

Signs of infestations

EAB larvae burrow into the tree and feed on the inner bark and phloem and

creating S-shaped markings. They pupate in winter and emerge as adults in

spring, leaving D-shaped exit holes. The adults remain active until the end of

summer.

Activity

Adult beetles live for about three weeks. They are most active during the day,

particularly when the weather is warm and sunny. To weather storms, they

move to protected locations in bark crevices or cling to foliage.

Damage

Symptoms of an infestation may include dead branches near the top of ash

trees, excessive branching on tree trunks and vertical cracks in tree bark.

Woodpecker Activity
Woodpeckers peel off the outermost layers of bark and punch their beaks

through the remaining bark to eat larvae. If you see an increase in woodpecker

activity, you may have EAB-infested trees.

How To Prevent This Pest

Buy only local firewood or certified heat-treated firewood. Firewood can potentially

harbor invasive pests or diseases that could threaten our forests, natural resources

and the communities where we live, work, and play. Visit DontMoveFirewood.org for

more information.

How It Is Treated

Treatment options are available at local retail outlets. Also, your local Cooperative

Extension Agent is a resource if you are considering treating your ash trees.

Report Signs of EAB

If you think you've seen the pest or ash tree damage caused by an EAB infestation,

please complete the form below. If you have questions or need additional

assistance, call 1-866-322-4512.

Report Form

Related Resources

Current Status

We work with other Federal organizations, State Departments of Agriculture, Native

American Tribes, and university partners to combat EAB and maintain ash tree

species in North America. We rear and release biological control agents (stingless

wasps) to manage the pest. In addition, we are researching the use of integrated

pest management practices to reduce and control EAB in both urban and forest
settings. These practices use a combination of tools and strategies to identify,

manage, and reduce the risks and impacts from pests.

Ash Range Map

Biocontrol Release Map (3.43 MB)

Biocontrol Recovery Map (3.31 MB)

Emerald Ash Borer Known Infested Counties (interactive map)

Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Time Series Spread Map

APHIS' Response

The goal of the EAB program is to help maintain ash trees as part of the North

American landscape. We are focused on EAB biological control, detection surveys,

and public outreach and education.

Questions and Answers: Release and Recovery of Biological Control for Emerald Ash

Borer

Regulatory Information

APHIS removed its domestic EAB quarantine regulations in 2020. The final rule was

effective January 14, 2021.

Final Rule Removing Domestic Quarantine Regulations

Information for Cooperators

Program Manual

Biological control

Biological Control Release and Recovery Guidelines

Questions and Answers: Biological Control for Emerald Ash Borer

Questions and Answers: Release and Recovery of Biological Control for Emerald

Ash Borer

Survey and Trapping Guidelines

Emerald Ash Borer Trapping Guidelines

Trapping Protocols
Trapping Materials List

Pre-Survey Data Spreadsheet

Survey Data Spreadsheet

Debarking Ash Tree Logs to Look for Emerald Ash Borer

Training Videos

Module 1 – About emerald ash borer, background, life cycle, how to identify,

history of biological control, identifying ash trees, impacts of parasitoids, a quiz

on tree species and insect identification, and more. (1 hour 40 minutes)

Module 2 – Mass rearing of parasitoids, choosing release sites and release

considerations, conducting releases, and introduction to MapBioControl. (1 hour

47 minutes) 

Module 3 – Evaluating parasitoids establishment, debarking and peeling trees,

using yellow pan traps, a quiz on tree peeling and yellow pan trap, and

identification questions. (2 hours 21 minutes) 

Spread the Word

Firewood can potentially harbor invasive pests or diseases that could threaten our

forests, natural resources and the communities where we live, work, and play. Visit

DontMoveFirewood.org for more information.

Interactive Story Map: Emerald Ash Borer in the United States

What is the Emerald Ash Borer? (742.89 KB)

Reports and Assessments

Sign up for email alerts to be notified when EAB program report is available.

Contact Us

Ron Weeks, Jr.

National Policy Manager

Email: ron.d.weeks@usda.gov
Phone: 919- 559-4311