DES MOINES, Iowa — Emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Chickasaw, Franklin and Jones counties for the first time, bringing the total to 69 counties in Iowa where this invasive insect has been detected.
Insect samples were collected from New Hampton (Chickasaw County), Hampton (Franklin County), and Anamosa (Jones County). Officials with the Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed these samples positive for EAB.
EAB is a non-native beetle that attacks and kills ash tree species. Adult beetles lay eggs on the bark of ash trees. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae bore beneath the bark and begin feeding on the water and nutrient-conducting tissues. Infested trees typically die within two to four years.
Ash trees infested with EAB can exhibit canopy thinning, water sprouts from the trunk or main branches, increased woodpecker activity, serpentine (“S”-shaped) galleries under the bark, vertical bark splitting and 1/8 inch D-shaped exit holes.
The spread of EAB is accelerated by transport of infested wood products such as firewood. People are reminded to use locally-sourced firewood to help reduce the spread of EAB.
EAB was first discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in 2002, and has now spread to 35 states. This exotic pest was first detected in Iowa in 2010.
At this calendar date, the treatment window for soil-applied preventive treatment measures (soil injection, soil drench, or granular application) and basal bark sprays has ended. Trunk injections can be done now through the end of August if a landowner is interested in protecting a valuable and healthy ash tree within 15 miles of a known infestation.
Good soil moisture is critical for the effectiveness of any systemic insecticide movement in a tree. More details pertaining to treatment are available in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication PM2084, Emerald Ash Borer Management Options.
To find a certified applicator in your area, download publication PM3074, Finding a Certified Pesticide Applicator for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment, and follow the steps.
The State of Iowa monitors the spread of EAB on a county-by-county basis. Anyone who suspects an infested ash tree in a new location is encouraged to contact one of the following:
- Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, State Entomologist Office: 515-725-1470
- Iowa Department of Natural Resources: 515-725-8453
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Entomology: 515-294-1101
To learn more about EAB and other pests that are threatening Iowa’s tree population, please visit http://www.iowatreepests.com.
For more information contact any of the following members of the Iowa EAB Team:
- Mike Kintner, IDALS EAB coordinator, 515-745-2877, Mike.Kintner@IowaAgriculture.gov
- Robin Pruisner, IDALS state entomologist, 515-725-1470, Robin.Pruisner@IowaAgriculture.gov
- Jeff Goerndt, DNR state forester, 515-725-8452, Jeff.Goerndt@dnr.iowa.gov
- Mark Shour, ISU Extension and Outreach entomologist, 515-294-5963, mshour@iastate.edu
- Tivon Feeley, DNR forest health program leader, 515-725-8453, Tivon.feeley@dnr.iowa.gov
- Donald Lewis, ISU Extension and Outreach entomologist, 515-294-1101, drlewis@iastate.edu
- Emma Hanigan, DNR urban forestry coordinator, 515-249-1732, Emma.Hanigan@dnr.iowa.gov
- Laura Iles, ISU Extension and Outreach entomologist, ISU Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic, 515-294-0581, ljesse@iastate.edu
- Jeff Iles, ISU Extension and Outreach horticulturist, 515-294-3718, iles@iastate.edu
— Keely Coppess, Julie Tack, and Laura Sternweis, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
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