June 12, 2014
Emerald ash borer adults are beginning to emerge from underneath the bark of ash trees in Indiana to take flight.
Adults EABs have been spotted in several southern counties, which means the public may begin seeing them in other counties in central and northern Indiana.
Emerald ash borer were detected in Marshall County in 2012. Marshall is one of 84 Indiana counties quarantined for EAB. The quarantine restricts movement outside the quarantined area of regulated ash materials, including whole ash trees, limbs, branches or debris of ash trees at least 1 inch in diameter, ash logs or untreated ash lumber with bark attached, or cut firewood of any hardwood species.
EAB overwinters under the bark of ash trees. The adults start to emerge in April and early May, exiting the bark through D-shaped holes. The peak time is Memorial Day to early July, but adults will continue to emerge until mid to late September.
Now is a good time for land owners to examine their ash trees for the tell-tale D-shaped holes, said State Entomologist Phil Marshall.
Marshall also reminds everyone not to move firewood, which can transport EAB and other damaging forest pests. Although not against the quarantine, he does not recommend movement of ash between quarantined counties.
Extensive information about the bug and the laws regarding firewood movement is at dnr.IN.gov/entomolo/3443.htm.
Suspected EAB infestations outside of the quarantine boundaries should be reported to DNR’s toll-free Invasive Species Hotline, 1-866-NO-EXOTIC. Insecticide treatments are available to protect individual trees from EAB. Many are cost effective. See eabindiana.info.