Emerald ash borer now a problem in two more counties

Ag Communications
By Beth Forbes
June 28, 2007

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - With confirmation Wednesday (June 27) that Wells and Whitley counties are now home to emerald ash borer, it becomes even more important that people in those areas take precautions when transporting wood.

"We are most concerned about people moving this insect, because the emerald ash borer cannot move very far on its own," said Jodie Ellis, exotic insects education coordinator at Purdue University.

On its own, emerald ash borer can travel about a half mile annually. Most new infestations are a direct result of moving firewood or other ash products from place to place, Ellis said.

The finds in Union Township in Wells County and in Cleveland Township in Whitley County, bring to 14 the number of Indiana counties under quarantine for emerald ash borer. The affected townships and their respective counties are now quarantined for ash products. The quarantines prohibit transportation of ash trees and most ash tree products from the affected areas. In addition to the township and county level quarantines, the entire state of Indiana also is quarantined for ash products to restrict the movement of emerald ash borer to new parts of the country.

The emerald ash borer, first found in Indiana in 2004, is a bright green insect that is visible only during the summer. Infested trees have D-shaped exit holes in the main trunk of the tree. Other signs include vertical splits in the bark and increased woodpecker activity.

"Left unchecked, the pest will destroy ash trees," Ellis said. "However, there are treatment options, and homeowners don't have to remove healthy ash trees."

Information on options for dealing with emerald ash borer is available by visiting http://www.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/index.shtml  or by calling 1-866-NO EXOTIC. Information also is now available in Spanish at http://www.entm.purdue.edu/EAB/espanol/index.shtml .

Ellis is available to answer questions by calling (765) 494-0822 or by e-mailing ellisj@purdue.edu.

Writer: Beth Forbes, 9765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu

Source: Jodie Ellis, (765) 494-0822, ellisj@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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