Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is an invasive insect that has proven to be one of the most destructive forest pests in North America. Since its initial detection in the United States two decades ago in Michigan, emerald ash borer (EAB) has wiped out more than 100 million ash trees throughout the country.
All true ash species (Fraxinum), including Oregon ash, the Pacific Northwest’s native ash, have proven vulnerable to EAB. A mortality rate as high as 90-100% is expected in both forested and urban settings over the next 10-12 years. Read the WSDA Bulletin to learn more.
Forest management options for EAB focus on reducing the rate of spread to provide forest owners with time to transition ash-dominant forests toward other species. To learn more, visit the WSU Extension EAB Guide.