Government of Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Emerald Ash Borer – Agrilus planipennis

The emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees in southwestern Ontario, Michigan and surrounding states. It poses a major economic and environmental threat to urban and forested areas in both countries.

The emerald ash borer attacks and kills all species of ash, except mountain ash which is not a true ash. With artificial spread, where people move infested ash materials and firewood to new areas, this insect can quickly spread to other areas of Canada.

Federal regulatory measures prohibit the movement of specific materials including any ash material and firewood of all species from specific areas of Ontario and Quebec. Anyone violating these restrictions is subject to a fine and/or prosecution.

Slowing the spread of emerald ash borer will protect Canada's environment and forest resources. It also helps keep international markets open to the forest industry and nurseries in non-regulated parts of Ontario and Quebec and in the rest of Canada.

Help slow the spread of the emerald ash borer in Canada. Learn more about the CFIA's "Don't Move Firewood" campaign and movement restrictions currently in place.

For more information on the emerald ash borer, please call 1-866-463-6017.

Acts and regulations we enforce include:

Information we provide to the general public includes:

Information we provide to the plant industry and scientific community includes:

Additional government and industry information can be found at: