Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

What does emerald ash borer look like? Visit Wisconsin's EAB Information Source.\

Vermont emerald ash borer look alikes

Pest Overview

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The larvae feed in the cambium between the bark and wood, producing S-shaped galleries that girdle and kill branches and trees. Emerald ash borer probably arrived in the United States on solid wood packing material carried in cargo ships or airplanes originating in its native Asia.

Emerald ash borer has spread rapidly in the United States, killing millions of trees, and is expected to reach Vermont. White ash is one of the ten most common tree species in Vermont, so this insect will have a major impact if it becomes established in the state.  The closest infestations are in Concord, NH, Dalton, MA, New York's Hudson Valley, and just 30 miles north of the Vermont border in Carignan, Quebec.  In 2012, infestations were detected for the first time in Massachusetts and Connecticut; the New Hampshire location was found in spring of 2013.

What are we doing in Vermont?

The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is collaborating with the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets to help detect emerald ash borer. These projects are supported by USDA APHIS and the U.S. Forest Service.

• Prevention – To slow the spread of EAB, it is critical to not move infested ash material.  The Green Mountain National Forest and Vermont State Parks restrict the use of non-local firewood. We are continuing public awareness to discourage the movement of firewood and other wood products that may be routes of entry. State and federal agencies also work with wood using industries, nurseries, and other facilities that may handle regulated materials to ensure practices comply with existing quarantines.

• Detection – An aggressive emerald ash borer detection effort continues in Vermont. In 2012, EAB detection activities were conducted at over 1350 locations, using purple panel traps, girdled trap trees, and biosurveillance (looking for emerald ash borer around nests of a predatory wasp). Similar efforts will continue in 2013. Visual surveys have been conducted through over one hundred campgrounds, and in high-risk areas. We are on constant alert for symptoms and signs of emerald ash borer attack, and follow up on any inquiries about potential sightings or infestations.

• Readiness–State officials have been implementing elements of the Vermont Invasive Forest Pest Action Plan. This plan aims to reduce the economic, social and environmental impacts of invasive pests and provides an outline for interagency coordination, acquiring information, rapid response and public involvement.  We are assisting  municipalities in developing Forest Pest Preparedness and Response Plans to prepare for the anticipated impact of forest pests on urban and community forests.  A one-day drill to simulate a delimiting survey  was conducted to ensure coordination between responsible agencies before an actual occurrence of EAB.