Insects

Impact

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) – an exotic insect pest from Asia – was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002.  In spite of control efforts, it has spread from Michigan to 14 states and two Canadian provinces.

EAB larvae kill ash trees by eating the living tissue just beneath a tree’s bark.  All species of ash trees are susceptible.  Its spread is accelerated by the movement of ash firewood.

Texas has nine native ash species and Arizona ash is one of the most widely-planted yard trees in the state.

EAB’s impact on urban landscapes could reach 30-90 million trees nationally, valued at $20-60 billion. (McPartlan et al. 2006)

EAB is not the only insect that threatens yard trees; soapberry borer, an exotic pest killing western soapberry trees, was first reported in Travis County in 2003.  It has since been detected in 49 additional Texas counties.