Learn About Invasive Forest Pests at "Emerald Ash Borer University"

Those seeking to learn more about the emerald ash borer now have a great new resource available. "Emerald Ash Borer University" is a collaborative effort by the U.S. Forest Service, Michigan State University, Ohio State University and Purdue University. The website offers free webinars with topics from the latest research on EAB to the most effective ways to get the word out about this pest. Past webinars are archived so you can always go back and view any information you might have missed

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis, “EAB”), native to Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has been found in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, and was most recently discovered this past June in New York. EAB causes damage to ash trees by disrupting water and nutrient transport as the larvae feed on the inner bark; eventually, this damage kills the tree. The pest attacks all species of ash, including green, white, black and blue ash, and is considered a serious threat to nursery operators, forest products industries, and parklands.

Help protect Massachusetts ash trees: If you think you have seen EAB, submit a report and photos, or call our Pest Hotline at 617-626-1779. Any specimens you capture should be placed in a jar and kept in the freezer.