Every year, Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week reminds us that one small insect can have a massive impact on our communities. The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive metallic green beetle that has caused the death of millions of ash trees across North America, killing nearly 100% of unprotected street trees in some cities. Signs of this invasive pest include bark splitting, crown dieback, and D-shaped exit holes. EAB eggs and larvae are easily spread through the movement of firewood, ash logs, or wood packaging, and the adults can hitchhike on nursery stock, vehicles, and outdoor gear.
California is home to several tree species susceptible to EAB, including native Oregon ash and Modesto ash. Emerald ash borer can also attack woody species in the olive family (Oleaceae), threatening California’s multimillion-dollar olive industry. EAB has not yet been recorded in California, but its discovery in Oregon in 2022 increases the risk to our state. It only takes one piece of infested firewood to spread Emerald ash borer to a new area. The good news is that everyone can play a role in helping detect, prevent, and slow the spread of Emerald ash borer.
What can you do during Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week?
Here are a few ways you can help prevent the spread of this invasive pest and protect California’s forests.
Attend a free webinar. Three webinars will be offered during Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week. Tune in to hear from experts on this pest and its damage, spread, and management.
Do not move firewood! EAB and many other harmful invasive pests hitchhike on firewood. Help protect our forests by collecting or buying firewood as close as possible to where you plan to use it. Learn more on the don’t move firewood website.
Learn how to identify EAB. Visit the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) webpage about EAB and read UC IPM’s Invasive Pest Spotlight: Emerald Ash Borer.
Identify susceptible trees in your yard and monitor them for signs of EAB. If you suspect an EAB infestation, report it to your local county agricultural commissioner or to CDFA. Be aware that there are other wood-boring insects in California that might be mistaken for EAB and can cause similar kinds of damage.
Consider planting alternatives to ash trees. If you are planting a tree, consider choosing a species that isn’t susceptible to EAB.
