FAQ

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EAB and Ash Trees
How big is EAB?
An adult EAB is a beetle approximately 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch long and approximately 1/16 of an inch wide. EAB larvae (immature stage of EAB) vary in length as they grow. Full grown larvae average approximately 1.5 inches in length.


Does EAB attack other trees besides ash?
EAB strictly attacks ash trees (Fraxinus species) of all sizes, whether healthy or unhealthy. Other trees with ash in their name such as mountain ash or prickly ash are not true ash trees and are not threatened by EAB.


Why is Mountain Ash not threatened by EAB?
Mountain ash is not true ash or a Fraxinus species. Mountain ash is actually part of the Rose family.


Where is EAB in Wisconsin?
EAB was found and identified in southeastern Wisconsin, specifically in Ozaukee and Washington counties (as of January 2009).


Where can I send in an EAB sample for identification?
If you found a suspected EAB beetle or larva, you can send your sample to Nicole Jenkins, DATCP, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911. Place your sample in a small sturdy container so it will not get damaged through the mailing process. Please include your name, address, phone number, and where and when you found the beetle/larva. As soon as we identify your sample, we will contact you.


What happens if my tree is infested with EAB?
If your tree is confirmed to be infested with EAB, the first thing we will do is conduct a survey to determine the extent of this infestation. Once we know the extent of the infestation, we will offer management recommendations. A quarantine will be placed to restrict the movement of ash firewood, nursery stock and ash logs out of the infested area.

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EAB Management & Treatment
Is there a pesticide that kills EAB?
Currently, there is no pesticide that is 100 percent effective in killing EAB. There are products that help protect ash trees from the pest. The University of Wisconsin Extension has more information about these products. Homeowners can read about Insecticide Management Options for Emerald Ash Borer.


Am I responsible for taking my tree down if it is infested with EAB?
The State does not mandate removal of EAB infested ash trees, however municipalities may require removal under local nuisance ordinances. Even if not required by ordinance, the removal of EAB infested trees is recommended. EAB infestation causes tree mortality and dead trees pose a safety risk to private and public property. Removal of the trees and proper disposal will prevent further EAB infestation problems.


What should I do if I suspect a tree on somebody else's property is infested with EAB?
If the tree belongs to a neighbor, we ask that you talk to them about your concerns and observations, if possible. Then ask them to call and report the tree to us as an inspection might be necessary.

If the tree belongs to the municipality you live in, please contact your municipality's public works department.


How do I get a trap to catch EAB on my property?
At this time, we do not distribute EAB traps to the public. We do not use the traps as a method of control, but as a survey and detection tool.


Can EAB program staff come and look at my tree?
EAB program staff does conduct tree inspections, but the staff does not inspect every reported tree due to limited resources. Currently, EAB program staff inspects trees reported to exhibit many signs and symptoms of an EAB infestation. If program staff is not available to look at your tree, you can have an arborist or, if available, a forester or UW-Extension personnel to inspect it.

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EAB Quarantine & Regulations
What counties are quarantined for EAB?
As of May 2009, the counties quarantined for EAB are Crawford, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Vernon and Washington.


What does it mean when an area is quarantined?
When an area is quarantined, it means that residents and affected businesses must not transport any hardwood firewood, ash nursery stock, ash logs or timber out of the quarantined area. This restriction helps prevent the pest's introduction to new areas and to minimize its spread.


Can I move firewood into or out of a quarantined area?
Firewood cannot be transported out of a quarantined area. It can, however, be transported into or within a quarantined area without penalty.