Hot Topic: Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a small (1/2 inch long and 1/8 inch wide) bright green beetle that is native to Asia. It was discovered near Detroit, Michigan in 2002 and has since killed more than 15 million ash trees. Large infestations are concentrated in Michigan and Ontario, Canada, but smaller infestations have been found in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and Virginia.
Adult beetles emerge from May-July and the females lay eggs on ash bark. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days and tunnel into the vascular tissue of the tree creating serpentine galleries and cutting off the flow of nutrients to the tree. Ash trees attacked by this beetle will typically die in 1-3 years.
These beetles can fly, but will only fly short distances of about 1/2 mile per year. Humans are unwittingly transporting this destructive pest in ash products such as branches, logs, wood chips larger than 1 inch, nursery stock, and firewood. Shipments of ash nursery trees and ash logs with bark are now regulated out of quarantine areas. Transporting firewood outside of the quarantined areas is illegal, but many people are not aware of this restriction. Transport of infested firewood remains an ongoing concern. Please do not move any ash firewood or logs!! Help keep this beetle out of Kentucky.
signs and symptoms
- Crown dieback
- Epicormic shoots
- D-shaped exit holes
- Serpentine galleries and bark splits
- Increased woodpecker activity
Is it close to Kentucky?
Emerald ash borer has been discovered in Hamilton County, Ohio, in the city of Cincinnati. These findings are only a few miles across the Ohio River. Click here for a map of emerald ash borer findings.
What's Being Done?
Trap Trees: 2006-2007
In October of 2006, 2-3 ash trees (> 6 inches in diameter) were prepared as trap trees by girdling them at chest height. A band of plastic wrap was placed above and below the girdled area. This plastic wrap was coated with tack-trap. Wounded trees give off volatiles that are attractive to emerald ash borer which will then be trapped on the sticky bands. The girdled trees were located in campground areas of state parks. Sticky bands were inspected every 1-2 weeks from May to September. These trap trees will be used for 2 years then felled and dissected to inspect for larval galleries.
In 2008, Kentucky is participating in the first EAB survey using a trap and artificial lure. We will be placing 3600 traps throughout the state, focusing on the northern part of the state as well as campgrounds and parks that receive high tourist traffic. The primary trapping region is shown in blue and yellow on the map. The traps are large purple panel traps equipped with a lure and covered with a sticky substance to attract and then trap EAB.
