Emerald Ash Borer Linked to Destruction of Millions of Ash Trees Found in Georgia

The tree-killing insect, emerald ash borer, has arrived in Georgia. Researchers have found adult emerald ash borers in DeKalb and Fulton counties in the state. A follow-up survey confirmed the presence of the insect larvae in ash trees.

 The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) (EAB) is an invasive beetle species whose larvae feed on the inner bark of native ash trees, effectively killing the trees in a few years. The insect larvae bore through the ash trees, disrupting the flow of water and nutrients. Adult borers can fly but researchers believe that the insects primarily spread via transportation of timber and firewood.

 EAB was first discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The insects probably came along with wood packing material via ships or planes from Asia.  The insect has already destroyed millions of ash trees in the U.S and Canada.

Researchers at University of Georgia who have been studying the EABs hope that the public would help in reducing the spread of the insect.

"To prevent the spread of emerald ash borer, it is important not to move firewood in which the insect can hide. Buy local firewood whether camping or for your home," said Kamal Gandhi, an associate professor in the UGA Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, according to a news release.

Ash trees in Georgia make up for about one percent of the state's forests but are an important landscape trees. Ash trees are also found along river banks in the state where they prevent soil-erosion.

People can help stop the spread of the insects by reporting any incidence of EAB infestation in ash trees in their neighborhoods. Information about the infestation can help foresters and arborists develop effective strategies to curb the insect spread.

"The faster scientists can track the spread of the insect, the faster they can work to stop it," said Joe LaForest, from the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.

The Georgia Invasive Species Task force, which includes researchers from Georgia Department of Agriculture, Georgia Forestry Commission and University of Georgia, will be launching a public program to prevent insect spread.

Canada recently approved the import of two Chinese wasps to control EAB spread.