Emerald Ash Borer

It is believed that it may have been first introduced to those areas in the early 1990s in wood packing material or pallets. Since then, it has spread throughout Michigan and across much of Ohio, eventually finding it's way to numerous north central and northeastern states. Heavy infestations can kill trees in as little as three years.

Adult EAB are wood-boring beetles that are bright metallic green. Adults are slender, bullet-shaped and 1/3 of an inch long. Females are slightly larger than males. They have two pair of wings. EAB larvae are white to cream with 10 abdominal segments. The last segment has a pair of brown, pincer-like appendages. Larvae reach a length of 1 to 1¼ inches. EAB utilizes three dominant species of ash, including green, white and black, to complete it's lifecycle.

The EAB has a 1-year life cycle. Adult beetles begin emerging in late May and early June through a D-shaped exit hole. Adult activity peaks between mid June and early July. Adults feed on ash foliage for several days and then begin to mate. Males live an average of 13 days; females live 21-22 days. Females lay 60-90 eggs in their lifespan. Eggs hatch in 7 to 10 days. After hatching, first instar larvae tunnel through the bark and into the phloem and cambial region of the ash tree. Larvae feed on phloem for several weeks, creating S-shaped galleries. As larvae grow, galleries become progressively wider. Prepupal larvae overwinter in shallow chambers within the bark. Pupation begins in late April or early May and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Photo caption: Bark of mature ash tree showing subtle signs of EAB infestation.

EAB is native to Asia, primarily found in China and Korea. In it's native environment this insect causes few problems. Since its first detection in Michigan, it has spread to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. It was first discovered in western Pennsylvania in June 2007. It is believed that moving infested firewood and nursery stock is the main cause of EAB spread. An adult EAB was collected on a green ash tree in a non-residential landscape in Butler County, Pennsylvania in June 2007 and by 2019 EAB has been found in all Pennsylvania counties.

New infestations are difficult to detect and may not be apparent for up to three years. Jagged holes made by woodpeckers searching for larvae may be one of the first signs of the EAB. Larvae feed on the phloem for several weeks, creating serpentine (S-shaped) galleries packed with sawdust-like frass under the bark of the tree. D-shaped exit holes made by emerging adult beetles will occur on the trunk and branches and the bark may split vertically over the larval galleries. As infestation increases, foliage wilts, branches die back and the tree canopy becomes increasingly thin. Epicormic shoots begin to appear on the trunk of the tree. Trees will die after 3 to 4 years of heavy infestation.

EAB control tactics are extremely limited with tree removal being the principal option. Chemical treatment using insecticides containing the active ingredient imidacloprid can be effective at controlling the EAB. Applications are made as soil drenches, soil injections, or stem injections in May or early June. It is important to begin treating large trees before they become infested. Some treatments are effective for multiple years. Using local firewood reduces the risk of this and other tree diseases and pests.

Initially prepared by Molly Sturniolo, Master Gardener Coordinator and David R. Jackson, Forest Resources Educator. Reviewed by Greg Hoover, Senior Extension Associate of Ornamental Entomology. Revised by Jeff Osborne, Forest Stewardship Program Associate.

Emerald Ash Borer Photos

Emerald Ash Borer Look Alikes

An adult sixspotted tiger beetle, Cicindela sexguttata, rnis about 12 mm (1/2u201d) long. rnIt is common along forest paths in Pennsylvania.rn

The adult dogbane beetle, Chrysochus auratus, is about 10 mm (3/8u201d) long. rn

The adult Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is about 10 mm (3/8u201d) long. It was first found in the United States in 1916 in a nursery in New Jersey.

An adult green June beetle, Cotinis nitida, is 18-25 mm (3/4" to 1") long. This species is native to the eastern half of the United States. rn

This wasp is a member of the insect family Chrysididae. rnThey rarely exceed 15 mm (1/2u201d) in length.rn

The adult twolined chestnut borer, Agrilus bilineatus, is native to the eastern half of the United States. Adults are slender, 5 mm to 13 mm (1/5u201d to 1/2u201d) long beetles with two light stripes on their front wings. rn

An adult dog-day cicada, Tibicen sp., body is about 40 mm (1 5/8u201d) long. It is a native species.rn

An adult red-legged Buprestis, Buprestis rufipes, is known from eastern North America. It is about 35 mm (1 1/2u201d) long.rn

The adult bronze birch borer, Agrilus anxius, is less than 12 mm (1/2u201d) long. Emergence of the adult creates a D-shaped emergence hole in branches and trunks of birch. rn