Emergency Tree Removal
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a serious threat to ash trees in Missouri. This invasive pest will eventually kill unprotected ash trees. Many trees can be saved with the careful use of systemic insecticides. However, not all ash trees should be treated, and for many locations the start of treatments should be delayed.
1. What is emerald ash borer (EAB)?
EAB is an exotic, invasive, wood-boring beetle that infests and kills ash trees in forests and urban areas.
2. What does EAB look like?
The adult beetle is dark metallic green with a bullet shaped body that is one-half inch long and one-eighth inch wide. EAB larvae (immature stage) are flat, creamy-white grubs with distinct bellshaped body segments. Adult beetles are usually seen from midMay through July on or near ash trees; larvae are found under the bark of ash trees during the remaining months of the year.
3. Where did EAB come from?
The native range of EAB is eastern Russia, northern China and Korea.
4. How does EAB spread?
EAB adults generally fly less than a half mile to mate and lay eggs on ash trees, making the natural spread of this pest relatively slow. Humans, however, can easily move EAB long distances in a short period of time. EAB can hitchhike under the bark of ash firewood, ash nursery stock, and ash logs and lumber, emerging from these materials to start an infestation in a new area.
5. When was EAB first discovered in the USA? How did it get there?
EAB was discovered infesting and killing ash trees in the Detroit, Michigan area in 2002, but researchers estimate it may have been in that area for ten years prior to the initial detection. EAB was likely introduced to the US in ash wood used for packing and crating goods imported from China.
6. Where and when was EAB found in Missouri? How did it get here?
EAB was detected in Missouri in July of 2008. It was found near Lake Wappapello at the US Army Corps of Engineers’ Greenville Recreation Area in Wayne County. EAB was likely introduced to Missouri by a camper bringing infested ash firewood from another state.
7. Where is EAB now?
Visit eab.missouri.edu to view a current map of Missouri counties.
8. What is being done about EAB in Missouri?
Several state and federal agencies are responding to the EAB threat. Field surveys are done annually to look for new EAB infestations. A statewide quarantine has been put in place to help slow the spread of EAB. The quarantine prohibits movement of hardwood firewood, ash trees, untreated ash material (chips, logs, etc.), and EAB itself from Missouri. Information about how to respond to EAB and the risks of firewood movement is being publicized to communities, industries and the general public. Cost-share funds are provided to communities to help them prepare for EAB’s arrival. Stingless wasps that parasitize and kill EAB eggs and larvae are being released at several locations to establish them as biological controls to help reduce EAB populations.
9. How can I help slow the spread of EAB?
Don’t move firewood! Inform your friends and neighbors of the risks of moving firewood. If EAB hasn’t been found in your county, keep an eye out for it on ash trees and report any possible sightings to officials. Once EAB is known to be in your county, consult the EAB Management Guide for Missouri Homeowners for advice on managing this destructive insect on your ash trees.
10. Does EAB have any natural enemies?
In North America, EAB is frequently eaten by woodpeckers. There are also a few species of tiny, stingless wasps that parasitize EAB eggs and larvae. These wasps have been released in a few locations where EAB has been detected to help reduce EAB populations. For more information on EAB biological control, visit agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pests/emeraldash.php.
11. Where can I get more information?
Visit eab.missouri.edu or call the EAB Hotline at 1-866-716-9974 for more information related to EAB in Missouri. Other websites with valuable information include
emeraldashborer.info and dontmovefirewood.org.
Works Cited:
Extensiondata.missouri.edu. (2018). Emerald Ash Borer FAQ. [online] Available at: [Accessed 16 Oct. 2018].
Extension2.missouri.edu. (2018). Tree Pests: Emerald Ash Borer. [online] Available at: https://extension2.missouri.edu/v1 [Accessed 16 Oct. 2018].