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Invasive Species: Emerald Ash Borer

Invasive Species: Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer

(Agrilus planipennis)
*Established in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Detected in Michigan's Upper Peninsula*

What's New with the Emerald Ash Borer

EAB Quarantine

Michigan Emerald Ash Borer Interior Quarantine Notice of Repeal - 10/1/18

USDA-APHIS Emerald Ash Borer Story Map

USDA-APHIS Emerald Ash Borer Webpage

I Think I Have a Tree or Trees Infested by the EAB

Ash Tree Identification

Distinguishing Ash from other Common Trees

Signs and symptoms of EAB

Native Borers and EAB look-alikes

Replanting alternatives

My ash tree is dead, now what do I do?

Firewood Facts

Firewood: Buy It Where You Burn It

EAB Links of Interest

Canadian Food Inspection Agency EAB Website

EAB Cooperative Website

Don't Move Firewood.org

Emerald Ash Borer Related Publications

USDA Emerald Ash Borer Photo Gallery

PROHIBITED IN MICHIGAN

Report this species:

You no longer need to report emerald ash borer (EAB) in Michigan.  If you think you have EAB and want further confirmation, please contact a qualified arborist for a consultation.

- Or – use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online tool – MISIN.MSU.edu

- Or – download the MISIN smartphone app – MISIN.MSU.edu/tools/apps/#home

- Or – visit the EAB cooperative website at – EmeraldAshBorer.info    

Identification:

  • Bright, metallic green with purple abdominal segments under its wing covers.
  • Length of adult beetle is approximately ½ inch.
  • Can fit on the head of a penny.
  • Larva are worm-like.
  • Create D-shaped exit hole in the tree.

Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer close-up. Photo courtesy of David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org.

Emerald Ash Borer holes
Exit hole left by an emerald ash borer. Photo courtesy of David R McKay, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org. 

Emerald Ash Borer Larvae
Larvae stage of the emerald ash borer. David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org.

Habitat: Urban, suburban and rural forests.

Diet: Adults feed on the foliage of ash trees, while the larvae tunnel and feed on the underside of the bark and cut off the transportation of nutrients and water to the tree.

Native Range: Eastern Russia, Japan, Northern China and Korea.

Local Concern: Since the first discovery in Michigan in 2002, this invasive beetle has killed tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan, both in forests and in neighborhoods. Adults typically only fly about ½ mile. On their own, this species doesn’t spread very far. The real concern with spread is the relocation of infested firewood to non-infested areas. Don’t move firewood!

Means of Introduction: The emerald ash borer most likely arrived in the United States via solid wood packing materials arriving from Asia.

MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer, please visit MDARD's emerald ash borer information page. 

Emerald Ash Borer Invasive Species Alert - Printable PDF