Emerald Ash Borer in Jackson County Homepage

Summary of Emerald Ash Borer

New! - Management Alternatives for Homeowners

New! - Update of Core Quarantined Area in Jackson County

For the past several years, ash trees have been declining and dieing by the hundreds of thousands in Southeast Michigan. In the spring of 2002, scientists finally discovered that a small, green beetle was causing the destruction. They named this new pest the Emerald Ash Borer or EAB for short.
Since little is known about EAB, researchers are in the process of learning more about it. This takes time and the latest information about EAB is changing all the time. For the most up to date and total information about EAB, please visit the website of Dr. David Roberts of the Michigan State University Extension Service. Dave was on the leading edge of discovering and naming this pest in Michigan.

Firewood Alert|
EAB Update for November 3, 2003

Where did it come from?

EAB appears to have been imported into the U.S. from China where it is a little known insect. The best theory is that it came into the port at Detroit inside some wood packing crates. The larvae matured and the adults flew off to infest nearby trees.

Where is it now?

EAB was originally found in six Michigan counties (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston), one Ohio county and in Windsor, Ontario in 2002. These areas have been quarantined so that ash trees, lumber, firewood and other products may not be moved out of those counties.

In early July, 2003, EAB was discovered in trees in other counties including Jackson. Most of these infestations appear to have originated from ash trees either grown or held in Wayne or Washtenaw county before being sold and shipped for planting in other parts of the state, or from firewood moved out of the infested area. This includes isolated sites already confirmed in St. Clair, Genesee, Jackson and Ingham counties, and isolated unconfirmed sites in Eaton, Kent and Ottawa counties.

On August 5, 2003, the Michigan Department of Agriculture announced that 7 counties have been added to the quarantined list. The include Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Shiawassee, and St. Clair Counties. They also established a one year moratorium preventing the sale or movement of ash tree nursery stock into or within the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

To view the entire MDA news release on this announcement, click here.

Has it been found in Jackson County?

During the week of July 7-11, the Michigan Department of Agriculture found trees which appear to be infested by EAB. Although it was thought that the infestation had not moved past mid-Washtenaw County, it apparently has been introduced into ash trees along the eastern edge of Jackson County.

In March, 2004, the townships on the east side of Jackson County were added to the "core" area and are considered "generally infested" by EAB.

Click Here to see a map of the infestations.

What kind of trees does it kill?

Currently, damage has only been found on members of the Ash species (Fraxinus) including White, Green, Blue and Black Ash. Mountain ash (Sorbus) is NOT a true ash and is NOT affected by EAB.

Click Here to get information on how to identify an ash tree.

How does EAB kill a tree?

The Emerald Ash Borer adult lays its eggs on the bark of the tree. The larvae that hatch from the eggs digs into the tree. It feeds and burrows just beneath the bark in the area known as the cambium layer. In June, the adults burrow out of the tree and fly away. They leave a D-shaped hole behind.

When enough of the cambium layer has been killed, it is the same as cutting a notch around the circumference of the tree. The tree is girdled and will die. The process appears to take 2 or 3 years from the time of first infestation of the tree.

How can I tell if I have an ash tree?

Click Here to get information on how to identify an ash tree.

What are signs to look for to see if my tree has EAB?

The pictures and information below are from the website of Dr. David Roberts, MSUE. They show the major signs that a tree is infested with EAB.
	Ash Tree Decline - The picture shows three ash trees in various levels of decline. (Click on the picture to view a larger version)
	D-shaped emergence holes: These insect exit holes are clearly D-shaped and typically measure about one-eight inch (4-5mm) across. These exit holes are very similar to those created by the two-lined chestnut borer on oak and the bronze birch borer on birch.
	Adult EAB: Adult EAB insects are elongated, slim, metallic green and measure about three-eights to one-half inches (about 12-13 mm) long. The adults would typically be observed in the vicinity of ash trees from May through August.
	EAB Larvae: The EAB larvae can be found beneath the bark of ash trees, in tunnels from June though the fall. These larvae also over-winter in chambers a couple of ring layers deep in thin barked trees or in the inner bark of thick barked trees. Larvae are distinctly segmented with triangular segments and when mature measure one to one and a quarter inches (26-32 mm) in length. (D.Cappaert photo)
	Serpentine tunneling: The EAB produces distinctive tunneling in declining ash trees, which is serpentine or zigzag in appearance. The tunneling reaches about one-quarter inch in width for mature larvae in the late summer and fall. There are no other insects that create this distinct tunneling pattern on ash.
	Woodpecker Damage - Woodpeckers are attracted to ash trees infested with EAB. The open the bark in search of the larvae feeding below.

What should I do if I see these signs on an ash tree in Jackson County?

First, make sure you have an ash tree. Click Here to go to a site which will give you information on how to identify an ash tree.

When you are confident that you have an ash and can see one or more of the signs shown above, please contact MSU Extension - Jackson County Horticultural Agent, Ralph Heiden by email or by phone at (517) 788-4292.

What can I do to save my ash trees?

EAB is an extremely destructive pest to ash trees. Currently, researchers believe that a preventative treatment may save trees that are not already infested. They must be applied every year and there is no guarantee that they will always work. There can be a significant expense per tree for this process.

For details on current alternatives released in March, 2004, click here.

Where can I get the most up to date information on EAB?

For the most up to date and total information about EAB, please visit the website of Dr. David Roberts of the Michigan State University Extension Service. Or visit Emerald Ash Borer Info Site (MDA and USDA)

Research on EAB is on-going in the following areas:

Treatment or control options

Species of ash that may be resistant to EAB

EAB life cycle

Natural enemies and bio-controls

As new information becomes available on these and other topics, it will be posted on Dr. Roberts' website.