Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. Since 2002, emerald ash borer (EAB) has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees. With the largest concentration of ash trees in the country, Minnesota has much to protect. Here is what you need to know:
- Ash trees lack a way to defend against these pests. Unless protected with insecticides, they will be killed when they become infested.
- Look for woodpecker pecks and vertical bark splits on ash. Although this is not definitive for EAB, they are often associated with EAB infested trees.
- For the most up-to-date information on EAB's location in the state and for EAB and firewood quarantines, visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's EAB site.
- Do not transport firewood, even within Minnesota.
- If you think you have found emerald ash borer, go through the steps at Do I have emerald ash borer? (246 K PDF) to try to confirm it.
Learn more about emerald ash borer in Minnesota or see the national emerald ash borer site for more information.
