The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a destructive wood boring beetle that was first identified in 2002 in Michigan. As a result, more than 25 million ash trees are dead or dying from the insect in Michigan alone. Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Maryland and parts of Canada are also fighting the insect.
Despite federal and state quarantines prohibiting movement of ash firewood, new populations of EAB are being found. The July 2006 EAB find in Illinois puts this exotic pest within striking distance of the Iowa border.
Emerald ash borer larvae feed just under the bark of ash trees, killing the tree in 2-5 years, by preventing the flow of water and nutrients in the tree. Unlike other native wood boring beetles, this insect attacks perfectly healthy ash trees, not just previously-stressed trees. Iowa has approximately 70 million ash trees, 20 million of which are in Iowa towns and cities.
Pest Alert (with photos)
Diagnostic Aid
EAB Sample Submission Form
- Symptoms of EAB:
- Thinning crown, dieback
- Epicormic growth
- Woodpecker activity
- Vertical bark splitting (over larval activity)
- D-Shaped emergence holes
More EMERALD ASH BORER INFORMATION from ISU Extension's Pesticide Management and the Environment office.
NATIONAL EAB Webpage
Iowa NATIVE borers:
Ash/Lilac Borer
Red-headed Ash Borer
Don't be fooled by these Ash Borer look-a-likes:
Tiger beetle (1)
Tiger beetle (2)
Ground beetles
Dogbane beetle
Northern Corn Rootworm
Japanese beetle
Cuckoo wasp
12/4/2007