Each year throughout Washington, the State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) conducts visual and trap surveys for a potentially destructive exotic insect known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The following FAQ’s on Emerald Ash Borer were submitted by Pest Biologist Jenni Cena with WSDA:
What is Emerald Ash Borer? Agrilus planipennis, an invasive wood boring insect from Asia, that was first detected in North America in 2002.
How did Emerald Ash Borer get to North America? No one knows for sure, however it is suspected to have hitched a ride in wooden crating material used during an overseas shipment.
Where is Emerald Ash Borer in North America currently? EAB is known to exist in 24 states and parts of Eastern Canada, with Colorado being the most recent and the westernmost state to confirm the presence of EAB.
How does Emerald Ash Borer move around? EAB can fly up to ½ mile and has been artificially spread by the movement of infested nursery stock, firewood, or other wood products.
What does Emerald Ash Borer look like? EAB adults are ½ inch metallic green oval shaped beetle.
Why does WSDA survey for Emerald Ash Borer? EAB will infest and kill healthy true ash, Fraxinus sp.
What signs and symptoms does WSDA visually survey for in ash? WSDA looks for symptoms such as flagging limbs or dead branches, suckering at the trunk flare and signs such as galleries under cracked bark and/or D-shaped exit holes.
Where can ash be found in Washington? Washington’s native ash, oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia) can be found throughout SW Washington. Also, other types of ash trees, typically cultivars of white ash (F. americana) and green ash (F. pennsylvanica), have been commonly planted as ornamental shade trees in parks and along streets in cities and towns throughout Washington.
How does WSDA trap for Emerald Ash Borer? WSDA places purple prism sticky traps in ash trees from May to September. Traps are inspected several times for EAB. So far, EAB has not been found in Washington.
How can you help? If you suspect EAB call 1-800-443-6684. For more EAB information go to: http://emeraldashborer.info
Urban and community Forestry in Washington State 