Emerald Ash Borer - Questions and Answers

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)

EAB larva is white and flat, has distinctive bell shaped segments and can grow up to 30 mm long. (Photos)

It is the larval stage of EAB that damages and kills ash trees. Eggs laid by adult beetles early in the summer hatch after a few weeks and the larvae chew through the outer bark and into the inner bark of the tree. During their feeding, they create serpentine tunnels or galleries in the inner bark which eventually stop the flow of water and nutrients inside the tree's branch or trunk. This results in the starvation and ultimate death of the tree. The larvae overwinter under the bark and emerge as adults from May to September to begin the cycle again. It has been observed that EAB may have a one- or two-year life cycle.

Infested ash trees in North America generally die after two to three years, but heavily infested trees have been observed to die after one year of beetle attack.

Ash trees are an important part of Canada's urban and rural landscape. They are commonly found on city streets, in woodlots, in windbreaks and in forests across southern Canada. In many areas of western Canada, ash trees are one of the few genera which are suitable for street-planting in urban areas.

Ash trees are also a very important component of eastern North American forests which are used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, tools, sports equipment (e.g., hockey sticks, baseball bats) and native handicrafts such as baskets. Hardwood forest production is valued at $1.4 billion annually in Canada, and ash trees are an important component of that total. Trees killed by EAB are difficult to salvage and of little use within a relatively short time of their death.

Ash trees are important for the environment - they are home to numerous animals and birds and are integral to the health of soils and watersheds. The loss of ash trees from urban and parkland forests would reduce or eliminate food and shelter sources for wildlife, decrease biodiversity, and seriously disturb the overall ecology of Canadian forests. They are a common component of wetlands and other riparian areas and their loss would lead to increased run-off, erosion and sedimentation of streams, rivers and ponds. As with all trees, ashes are very important in helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and reducing air pollution. In addition, blue ash and pumpkin ash, which are already considered rare or vulnerable species, would be heavily impacted by EAB.

Ash trees are also a very important component of eastern North American forests which are used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, tools, sports equipment (e.g., hockey sticks, baseball bats) and native handicrafts such as baskets. Hardwood forest production is valued at $1.4 billion annually in Canada, and ash trees are an important component of that total. Trees killed by EAB are difficult to salvage and of little use within a relatively short time of their death.

Ash trees are important for the environment - they are home to numerous animals and birds and are integral to the health of soils and watersheds. The loss of ash trees from urban and parkland forests would reduce or eliminate food and shelter sources for wildlife, decrease biodiversity, and seriously disturb the overall ecology of Canadian forests. They are a common component of wetlands and other riparian areas and their loss would lead to increased run-off, erosion and sedimentation of streams, rivers and ponds. As with all trees, ashes are very important in helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the air and reducing air pollution. In addition, blue ash and pumpkin ash, which are already considered rare or vulnerable species, would be heavily impacted by EAB.

Scientists believe EAB was introduced into Michigan in the mid 1990's, but was not discovered until the pest population built up to damaging levels.

Control Measures for EAB in Southwestern Ontario

The CFIA believes there is continued merit in slowing the spread of EAB within Canada and protecting this country's vast ash resource. Consistent with the position of its federal, provincial and municipal partners, the current emphasis is on continued research, surveillance, effective communications and enforcement activities in regulated areas.

The CFIA continues to consult with the Ontario Critical Pest Council, the EAB Science Committee and its partners (including Natural Resources Canada -Canadian Forest Service, the Ontario Ministries of Natural Resources, and Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs), on science-based strategies for the detection and control of EAB. Biological control and natural tree resistance may play increasingly important roles in managing EAB populations.

Regulated areas allow the CFIA to maintain and enforce restrictive measures for the movement of potentially infested wood items from areas where EAB has been found. This is necessary to slow the spread of EAB, to protect the health of Canada's trees and forests and to prevent economic losses to the nursery, lumber and tourism industries and municipalities.

Additionally, the Ministerial Orders that define the regulated areas officially identify the regions of Canada to be infested with EAB. This allows areas in Canada that are not infested with EAB to continue to export ash nursery stock and forest products to our trading partners.

Another way the CFIA establishes a regulated area is by issuing a notice of Prohibition of Movement or Notice of Quarantine to individual property owners to restrict or prohibit the movement of high-risk materials from properties that are confirmed or suspected to be infested with EAB.

1. The County of Essex and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Emerald Ash Borer Infested Places Declaration and Order

2. The County of Elgin Emerald Ash Borer Infested Places Declaration and Order

3. The County of Lambton Emerald Ash Borer Infested Places Declaration and Order

Additional quarantine measures are also specified for some properties in Lambton, Elgin and Middlesex counties. Regulated materials cannot be removed from these properties without the permission of the CFIA.

• publicizing the regulations on the movement of firewood and ash tree materials in newspapers and on the radio;
• actively seeking opportunities to present information or speak on EAB;
• holding public meetings and keeping the public, stakeholders and affected industries up to date through CFIA Web site information;
• distributing posters and other printed materials to the public, impacted areas and to affected industries; and
• taking effective enforcement actions when warranted.

Continued cooperation from the public is essential if we are to slow the spread of this pest.

If you are in an EAB-regulated area and have recently trimmed or cut down your ash tree, please call the CFIA for directions on disposal.

• Do not move the regulated materials.
• Buy and burn firewood locally.
• Report signs of EAB infestation to the CFIA.

Toll free: 1-866-463-6017
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Help Protect Canada's Trees and Forests.
For more information visit the CFIA web site:
www.inspection.gc.ca