Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Iowa State University Extension

Pest Management and the Environment

Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer (EAB), a new exotic insect pest from Asia, has made its way to extreme northeastern Iowa. Early May 2010, EAB was found in one tree on an island in the Mississippi River in Allamakee County. It has also been found in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, as well as other midwestern United States. A cooperative state and federal effort has developed the "Iowa Emerald Ash Borer Readiness Plan". Check out this and other information about this pest that threatens Iowa's forests. Information about the spread of EAB is also available in Spanish (see below).

Emerald Ash Borer Management Options from Iowa State University Extension on Vimeo.

Although the first find of emerald ash borer has occurred in northeast Iowa, ISU experts encourage Iowa homeowners to evaluate their ash tree and hold off on any insecticide treatments at this time.

Upcoming Emerald Ash Borer Talks
Topic InformationDateTime
Topic: "Ash Tree ID and Q/A for Emerald Ash Borer"
Presenters: Mark Shour
Location: Polk County Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Drive, Altoona 50009
Host: Virginia Hunnel
Phone Number: 515-957-5760		11/03/2012 10:45am- 11:45am

Emerald Ash Borer News Releases

  1. 2012 Emerald Ash Borer Surveillance Summary (January 17, 2013)
  2. Very Limited EAB Movement in Iowa Found (September 11, 2012)
  3. New Firewood Rule in Iowa (January 1, 2011)
  4. Quarantine of Allamakee County Established to help Prevent Spread of EAB (June 14, 2010)
  5. EAB Team News Release (May 14, 2010)
  6. Video Highlights: EAB Management Options
  7. Iowa State University Extension EAB News Release (May 14, 2010)

Webcasts about Emerald Ash Borer

  1. Preparing for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Iowa (June 12, 2009)
  2. Preparation for the Emerald Ash Borer in Iowa (March 15, 2007)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Common Problems of Ash Trees (PDF)
  2. EAB Pest Alert (PDF)
  3. EAB Factsheet for Iowa (PDF) (February 3, 2011)
  4. Frequently Asked Questions about EAB (Power Point)
  5. Frequently Asked Questions about EAB (Slide Script)
  6. Questions & Answers for Purple EAB Traps (PDF)
  7. Questions & Answers for EAB Quarantine (PDF)
  8. Suggestions for Emerald Ash Borer Community Preparation (PDF)

Management of Emerald Ash Borer

  1. Emerald Ash Borer Management Options--PM 2084 (PDF)
  2. Potential Side Effects of EAB Insecticides FAQ (PDF)
  3. Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer (PDF)
  4. USDA Biological Control Plan
  5. Treatment Options for Emerald Ash Borer (Power Point)

Ash Identification and Replacement Suggestions

  1. Ash Tree Identification (PDF)
  2. Ash Alternate Shade Trees 2013(PDF)
  3. Ash Alternate Small-Stature Trees 2013(PDF)
  4. Alternatives to Ash…Shade Trees for the Iowa Landscape (Power Point)

Visual Aids for Emerald Ash Borer Identification

  1. EAB Image Gallery
  2. Illinois EAB Screening Sheet (PDF)
  3. Minnesota EAB Screening Sheet (PDF)
  4. EAB Look Alikes (Power Point)
  5. EAB Look Alikes (Slide Script)
  6. Don't be Fooled by Look Alikes!
  7. Native Borers and EAB Look Alikes
  8. Signs and Symptoms of EAB

Other Websites

  1. National EAB Website
  2. Iowa Tree Pests Website
  3. Iowa DNR EAB Website

Emerald Ash Borer Submission Information

  1. EAB Sample Submission Form (Word)
  2. EAB Sample Submission Form (PDF)
  3. EAB Diagnostic Aid (PDF)

Emerald Ash Borer Project Maps

  1. Cooperative Emerald Ash Borer Project Map
  2. Iowa Ash Tree Distribution Map

Emerald Ash Borer Information in Spanish

  1. Purdue's Web site
  2. EAB Pest Alert
  3. EAB Power Point Slides

Contact information:
Mark Shour
Extension Program Specialist
10 Insectary Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-5963

Page last updated: February 22, 2013