The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is an invasive beetle from Asia discovered in southeastern Michigan in 2002. Since then, the beetle has moved (or been distributed) to 35 states and five Canadian provinces. EAB has been found in nearly all Iowa counties and the neighboring states of Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
EAB larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees and cut off the living, water, and nutrient conducting vessels, causing tree death. EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America and cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators, and forest products industries hundreds of millions of dollars.
Recognizing Emerald Ash Borer and Its Damage
- Common Problems of Ash Trees (SUL21)
- Emerald Ash Borer Pest Alert (NA-PR-02-04)
- Signs and Symptoms of EAB (pdf) (E-2938)
- EAB or Native Borer (PM3065)
- Native Borers and EAB Look-alikes (pdf) (E-2939)
Management of Emerald Ash Borer
- Emerald Ash Borer Management Options - ENT 57 (previously known as PM2084)
- 2019 Multistate Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from EAB (pdf) (3rd Edition)
- Finding a Certified Pesticide Applicator - PM3074
- EAB Locations in Iowa (IDALS)
- Protecting Bees from Pesticides - ENT45
- Finding an International Certified Arborist
- Suggestions for Community Preparation for Emerald Ash Borer (pdf)
Ash Identification and Replacement Suggestions
- Ash tree identification (pdf) (E-2942)
- EAB Treatment Consideration Areas in Iowa (IDALS)
- Small stature trees for Iowa – Ash Alternatives (FOR405)
- Shade trees for Iowa – Ash Alternatives (FOR406)
- Rethinking Maple: Selecting Trees for Your Yard (Iowa DNR)
Distribution Maps of Where EAB Has Been Confirmed
- Initial County EAB Detections in North America and Canada (Cooperative EAB Project)
- EAB Infestation Status in Iowa By County (IowaTreePests.Com)
Images and Videos
- Emerald Ash Borer Photo Gallery (USDA-APHIS)
- Emerald Ash Borer Videos YouTube Playlist (ISU Extension & Outreach)
Other Websites
- National Emerald Ash Borer
- Iowa Tree Pests - Iowa Department of Agriculture
- EAB-Iowa Department of Natural Resources
- EAB-Purdue University
Información del barrenador verde esmeralda en español
- Opciones de control del barrenador verde esmeralda – PM2084S
- El barrenador del fresno, el barrenador verde esmeralda del fresno o “emerald ash borer” (pdf)
Do you live in Iowa and have an insect you would like identified?
The Iowa State University Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic will identify your insect, provide information on what it eats, life cycle, and if it is a pest the best ways to manage them. Please see our website for current forms, fees, and instructions on preserving and mailing insects.
Contact information for each state's diagnostic laboratory for U.S. residents. If you live outside of Iowa, please do not submit a sample without contacting the Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic.