Emerald Ash Borer

Photo credit: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org

What is it?

A small wood-boring beetle

Where's it from?

Asia, including China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan

How did it get here?

Accidentally, inside wooden crates, pallets, or other forms of wood packaging material

Where is it now?

It is widespread in the Midwest and also has been discovered in the eastern US, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Virginia.

What's the harm?

This insect has already killed over 40 million ash trees, posing serious threats to the forest industry, natural areas, and neighborhoods.

What's being done?

Quarantines prohibiting the transport of firewood, nursery stock, ash logs, and other articles capable of transporting EAB are in place to prevent the spread of this pest. Monitoring for emerald ash borer in Virginia continues.

How can you learn more?

Visit the national EAB information clearinghouse: www.emeraldashborer.info/.