Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

What exactly is Emerald Ash Borer? Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive species that has been recently found in our area and is a subject of great concern. EAB is a wood boring beetle that, as the name suggests, has a metallic green color and is roughly 3/4 inches long and 1/6 inches wide. The eggs are laid in the bark of the ash tree by the adults and the larvae (which are white/cream colored with bell shaped abdominal segments) will feed on the inner bark and outer trunk of the tree leaving serpentine galleries. This causes problems because these areas are used to pass nutrients throughout the tree. Larvae begin to emerge as adults in the summer; this emergence coincides with the flowering of the Black Locust plant. The emerging adults create D-shaped exit holes that are a good way of identifying an infested tree. The adults begin to mate and spread to other trees after emerging for a few weeks and the life cycle begins again. EAB infests and kills all true ash trees (Fraxinus species), such as white, green, and black ash. Individuals with ash trees on their property should always be on the lookout for EAB. The best ways to determine if an ash tree is infested are dieback of the leaves, growth of braches and leaves from the lower trunk, Dshaped exit holes, and increased woodpecker activity. If you find EAB you should attempt to get a specimen and contact your local DEC office or Cornell Cooperative Extension. By Tim Ives, SLELO Program Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County October 14, 2017