EAB Remains A Major Concern In Oregon

Ash trees in Oregon are in danger, because of a small pest getting a big foothold.  The emerald ash borer lives most of its life inside of ash trees.

“It is a small beetle that larvae burrow underneath the bark of ash trees and they start feeding on the nutrient rich layers and over time enough of these larvae build up in a tree that they will kill an ash tree," said Matt Mills, with the Oregon Department of Forestry.  He added this is the time of year when larvae turn into beetles and they move out of the tree to breed, lay eggs, and then die; and it's a major concern.

This Pest Threatens Wild & Planted Trees Alike

"All of our native ash trees, the Oregon ash, and even our planted ash trees in urban areas in our communities are all highly susceptible to EAB.  Rough estimates say that one in a thousand trees will survive an emerald ash borer infestation."

Learn how to spot the beetles, by checking out the Department of Forestry’s EAB Website.  The beetles, by the way, are outside of the tree for only about six weeks.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com