(Exira/Casey) Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Audubon and Guthrie counties for the first time.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach says EAB larvae were collected from infested trees in rural Exira and Casey. The invasive, tree-killing pest has been found in 71 Iowa counties since 2010.
EAB is a small, metallic-green beetle. Mike Kintner, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship EAB Coordinator, said EAB attacks and kills ash tree species.
“If you have an ash tree, one thing you want to look at is canopy decline during the growing season. Step back, take a look at the tree from top to bottom, if there is decline starting at the top that could be an indicator that has emerald ash borer,” explained Kintner. “Another thing at this time of year is woodpecker activity, woodpecker damage to the tree. If you see woodpeckers going up and down your tree, if it’s an ash tree, that too could be an indicator that there is emerald ash borer working on that tree.”
Some other things to look for is bark splitting, water sprouts from the trunk or main branches, “S”- shaped galleries under the bark, and 1/8 inch D-shaped exit holes.
In its larval stage, EAB bores beneath the bark, disrupting the movement of water and nutrients within the tree. Infested trees typically die within two to four years.
If you suspect EAB, contact the Iowa Department of Agriculture, your local ISU Extension Office, or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
“Anyone that lives within 15-miles of a known EAB infestation, those trees we consider at an elevated risk for attack by emerald ash borer,” said Kintner. “We do have maps showing those suggested treatment areas and those maps are available at www.iowatreepests.com.”
The entire state of Iowa is under quarantine for EAB. A federal quarantine, enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, prohibits the movement of regulated articles such as living and dead material from ash trees and all hardwood firewood out of Iowa into non-quarantined areas of other states.
