The Emerald Ash Bore is an exotic beetle from Asia that was discovered in July 2002 feeding on ash trees in southeastern Michigan. Larvae feed in the cambium between the bark and wood, producing galleries that eventually girdle and kill branches and entire trees. Evidence suggests that EAB has been established in Michigan for at least six to 10 years. In more recent years, newly established populations were detected in Indiana, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and Ontario, Canada.

States like Ohio are taking a proactive step to spot the spread of the pest and eventually eradicate it from the state. Ash trees in areas under infestation are being cut, chipped and burned. In large infestation areas, breaks (similar to those used in fighting forest fires) are being cut around the infested area to contain the infestation. Once contained, the EAB will extinguish itself by killing all of its host tree, thereby starving itself out of existence.

In Pennsylvania, visual surveillance and trap trees are the most effective means for detecting the pest. Trap trees are trees that have been intentionally wounded by girdling, to be attractive breeding sites. The trees are taken down and the bark is removed to inspect for EAB larvae. So far there have been no positive results suggesting that the EAB has entered Pennsylvania.

How can you help? EAB can become established when infested firewood and nursery stock are transported to new areas. When camping, use only local sources of firewood. Do not bring firewood from home. Do not bring firewood home with you either. When landscaping, use only native plants from local nurseries.

To report possible infested trees in Pennsylvania, contact the state Department of Agriculture, 866-253-7189, or the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Pest Management at 717-948-3941.