USDA's Emerald Ash Borer Program Report | June 16, 2023
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June 16, 2023
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works with State, Federal, and other partners to detect and manage known emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations. The EAB program uses biological control and ongoing research to minimize the impact of an infestation and maintain ash as a viable part of the American landscape. This report provides the most current information on EAB program efforts.
Announcements
New Research Published!
Factors Affecting Distribution of Emerald Ash Borer Parasitoids in An Urban Environment, May 2023—Investigates how urban land cover impacts both the establishment and distribution of introduced biological control agents. The study indicates that parasitoids, such as Tetrastichus planipennisi, can be successfully established and widely distributed in urban areas. To read the publication, click here.
Protection of North American Ash Against Emerald Ash Borer with Biological Control: Ecological Premises and Progress Toward Success, January 2023—Investigates how EAB suppression is likely to expand geographically as parasitoid populations increase and spread to new areas. The study looks at how surviving regenerating ash is observed in some sites with early parasitoid releases. To read the publication, click here.
Release and Recovery Videos
Videos are available for more in-depth information about emerald ash borer, choosing release sites and release considerations, conducting releases, evaluating parasitoid establishment, debarking and peeling trees, and using yellow pan traps. Find the videos online at: Release Recovery Videos.
The image above shows an emerald ash borer D-shaped exit hole and an adult beetle.
EAB in the United States
EAB is in 36 states and the District of Columbia: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Biological Control
USDA uses emerald ash borer's natural enemies as biocontrol agents—these tiny stingless wasps are showing promise in protecting young ash saplings in many states.
Parasitoid Releases
This season is going well, thank you for your efforts! And for following the EAB program’s Biocontrol Field Release Guidelines. Please look for new release sites for next year while you're in the field. The deadline for next year’s site selection is December 1, 2023. If you have questions, please contact the Acting Rearing Facility Manager Nicole Sawallich at 810-844-2704.
Recovery Trapping
Please conduct recovery trapping in at least one release site per county for two years. Process or sort the specimens found in recovery samples at your location. If you need help with sample identification, please email eab.biocontrol.program@usda.gov. Send all suspect parasitoids for identification to this address: USDA APHIS, Attention: Juli Gould, 1398 West Truck Road Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts 02542. If you don’t recover anything in the two years, consider doing more releases or recovery trapping. If you have questions, please contact Entomologist Juli Gould at 508-563-0923.
Data Entry
Accurate data is critical to the success of the biological control work since it tells us where releases are and if parasitoids establish, so we can best target our efforts. Please enter release and recovery data into MapBiocontrol.org: 1) Enter data the same day of the releases, but not longer than 48 hours after releases happen, 2) Enter recovery data as soon after sampling as possible—all recovery data should be entered no later than one year after the final release in an area. You should sample at least one release site per county. If you have questions, please contact National Operations Manager Russ Bulluck at 919-855-7182.
Send Photos
APHIS is looking for photos showing fieldwork during this release season. Photos can be of people placing ash tree bolts or containers on trees, felling and debarking activities, or something similar. You can use a cell phone. Photos should be yours, not those that APHIS needs third-party permission. Please email the original or large size of the photo to: eab.biocontrol.program@usda.gov.
To learn more, read the factsheet Biological Control for Emerald Ash Borer. If you have questions, please call 1-866-322-4512 or email eab.biocontrol.program@usda.gov.
Research
Scientists are studying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for use in a forest ecosystem to reduce EAB populations. IPM uses tools and strategies to identify, manage, and reduce risks and impacts from pests.
Trapping
APHIS is providing traps and lures to conduct surveys. You can request traps, lures, and accessories through your State Plant Regulatory Official or order them through the Integrated Plant Health Information System (IPHIS). Please remember to enter your survey data weekly into IPHIS.
Latest Maps
Infested Counties Map (Interactive)
Additional Resources
Informational Websites
EAB National Invasive Species Information Center
Outreach Materials
Contacts
EAB National Policy Manager
Ron Weeks, 919-559-4311
EAB National Operations Manager
Russ Bulluck, 919-855-7182
If you think you’ve found a beetle or infested tree, record where the area is and take photos. Then, submit a report to your State Plant Health Director, or email Report.EAB@usda.gov, or call the EAB telephone hotline at 1-866-322-4512. Thank you.
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