Emerald Ash Borer Prevention, Early Detection & Rapid Response |
Emerald Ash Borer is in Minnesota
On May 14, 2009, emerald ash borer (EAB) was confirmed as present in the South Saint Anthony Park neighborhood in St. Paul. EAB is a serious invasive tree pest, and consequently a quarantine has been placed on Ramsey, Hennepin, Houston, and Winona Counties to help slow the spread of EAB to other areas. >>See Quarantine Information
What is EAB?
EAB is an insect that attacks and kills ash trees. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees. Trees are killed by the tunneling of the larvae under the tree's bark.
Where is EAB?
View map of EAB finds in Minnesota 
EAB is native to eastern Asia but was discovered in Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, in 2002. Indications are it may have been introduced to this area as early 1990. EAB has been spread in ash firewood, nursery stock and possibly other ash materials to a number of new areas. View map of EAB finds in Minnesota to right. Click on the map to zoom, scroll, and see the most recent updates.
Why should I care about EAB?
EAB kills ash trees. All ash trees are susceptible to EAB and millions of ash trees have been killed in infested areas already. Minnesota has the highest volume of ash trees in the U.S. with almost a billion forestland and urban wood ash trees. The potential economic and environmental impacts of losing these trees is substantial. The cost of removing and replacing a single tree can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars – how many ash trees are in your yard?
What can I do about EAB?
- Don't import materials to Minnesota that could harbor EAB such as ash firewood (unless it's MDA Certified)
- Become knowledgeable about recognizing EAB and remain vigilant to the condition of your ash trees. The Minnesota EAB Science Advisory Group has prepared a document (PDF: 51 KB / 6 pages) describing the pros and cons of planting ash trees, pre-emptive removal and insecticide use.
What should I do if my ash tree is in decline?
- Review diagnostic aids for identifying EAB symptoms
- Look into resources on maintaining tree health and/or
- Consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person
What can I do to keep my trees healthy?
- Plant a variety of trees
- Use proper planting techniques
- Review resources on maintaining tree health and/or
- Consult a local tree expert such as a certified arborist or local extension person
Emerald Ash Borer Cycle of Destruction Video
This video was produced by MDA through a unique collaboration with faculty and students of Art Institutes International and McNally Smith College of Music. The hopeful result is that viewers understand the meaning behind the often-repeated message Don't Move Firewood in a way that reduces human-assisted movement of firewood, one of the main ways that invasive species are spread.
This video was made with technical assistance from staff at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and University of Minnesota Extension.
Production of this video was made possible with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture.
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Please take a moment to work through this checklist (PDF: 407 KB / 1 page) if you believe you have found emerald ash borer (EAB), or have seen a tree infested with EAB. While we take every report seriously, there are a number of other insects that can be confused with EAB or cause symptoms on trees that resemble those caused by EAB. If what you have seen is not EAB we want to help you determine that as easily as possible. The checklist will either help you to rule out EAB, or it will help you get in contact with an EAB First Detector. (EAB First Detectors are volunteers trained to help guide citizens in diagnosing and reporting potential infestations of EAB in Minnesota.)
While we take every report seriously, there are a number of other insects that can be confused with EAB or cause symptoms on trees that resemble those caused by EAB. If what you have seen is not EAB, we want to help you determine that as easily as possible.
Recommended outreach material for small business and homeowners in or near the quarantined counties.
Does my tree have emerald ash borer?
Insects commonly confused with EAB (PDF)
Homeowner’s Guide to Insecticide
Homeowner’s Guide to a Healthy Yard
Ash Tree Waste Disposal Sites (within quarantined counties)
Map of EAB infested areas
Recommended outreach material for Minnesotans not near an emerald ash borer infestation
Does my tree have emerald ash borer?
Insects commonly confused with EAB (PDF)
Homeowner’s Guide to a Healthy Yard
Map of EAB infested areas
Available material for request in hard copies
- All listed above
- EAB table top display (limited quantity available)
- Firewood bookmarks
- Firewood tri-fold brochures
- EAB credit card sized ID handout
- Recognizing insect galleries in ash trees
- EAB biological control tri-fold brochures
- Ash tree tags
Contact MDA
888-545-6684
Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us
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