Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
The environmental, social, and economic impact this pest is having on Ohio’s rural and urban forests is staggering.
The Division of Forestry is taking proactive steps on state forests, as well as encouraging municipalities and woodland owners to do likewise.
EAB larvae feed on the living portion of the tree, directly beneath the bark. This eating habit restricts the tree’s ability to move essential water and nutrients throughout the plant. In three to five years, even the healthiest tree is unable to survive an attack.
This pest can be difficult to identify because the symptoms that infested ash trees exhibit are much like the symptoms of our native ash borers. The main symptoms of an EAB infested tree are branch dieback, sprouting around the base of the tree, and unusual woodpecker activity.
Signs of an EAB infestation are very unique. These include 1/8-inch, D-shaped exit holes, and if the bark is peeled back, a serpentine pattern of tunnels packed with sawdust.
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an ash tree-killing insect from Asia that was unintentionally introduced to southeastern Michigan several years ago. In February of 2003, it was first found feeding on ash trees in northwest Ohio.
This Asian pest is part of a group of insects known as metallic wood-boring beetles. EAB affects all species of native ash found in Ohio. Because North American ash trees did not coexist in association with this pest, they have little or no resistance to its attack.
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