The invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has now been confirmed in all 99 counties across Iowa. The first case in Emmet County, the last county in Iowa without a confirmed infestation, was identified from a declining ash tree in Armstrong earlier this month by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS). Samples were sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for confirmation for confirmation, marking the insect’s presence in every county in the state. EAB, a non-native wood-boring pest, targets all ash tree species. The adult beetle measures about half an inch long and has a metallic green hue. Its larvae tunnel under the bark, disrupting the tree’s water and nutrient transport, typically leading to death within two to four years after infestation. EAB was first discovered in Iowa in Allamakee County in 2010 and quickly spread across the rest of the state. Landowners with ash trees are encouraged to assess their trees’ risk and consider preventive measures, such as insecticide treatments or removal. The best time for treatment is in spring when the trees are actively growing. For more information on managing EAB, visit iowatreepests.com.
