Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is an invasive, wood boring beetle native to Asia that feeds on and eventually kills all species of Ash. Although the EAB has already moved through our area of the state woodlot and homeowners still seem surprised when they find the devastation that the EAB leaves behind.  The EAB was first found in North America in 2002 near Detroit and since has spread to 13 states and two Canadian provinces, killing hundreds of millions of Ash trees in rural and urban settings. 

Resources.

emeraldashborer.info is another comprehensive website offered by The Cooperative Emerald Ash Borer Program, a collaboration of the USDA Forest Service, Michigan State University, Purdue University and Ohio State University to provide comprehensive, accurate and timely information on the emerald ash borer. The site includes: EAB University (a collection of free educational webinars about the Emerald Ash Borer and other invasive pests); information for homeowners; Frequently Asked Questions; EAB look-alikes; how to go about hiring an arborist or tree company; choosing replacement trees, and more.

The NY Invasive Species Clearing House at Cornell University offers extensive pages on topics including: EAB biology; identification; hosts; signs and symptoms of EAB infestation; map of EAB spread; control options; resources specific to educators, homeowners, woodlot owners and municipal tree managers; local task force contacts; and how to report an EAB sighting.

Signs and Symptoms of the Emerald Ash Borer, Michigan State University Extension & Dept. of Entomology. A 2-page handout with color photos of adult and larval EAB, Ash canopy die-back, and other signs of EAB infestation. 

Emerald Ash Borer Field Guide, US Forest Service. Print out these 18 pages of photos to help you identify EAB, infestations, Ash trees, and more.

Management

While DEC is still collecting new EAB location information, we are not actively managing infestations. However, DEC is cooperating in efforts to identify potentially resistant "lingering ash" tree in areas thoroughly infested with EAB, and to conserve ash trees for future restoration efforts. 

Last updated February 4, 2025