EMERALD ASH BORER
Agrilus planipennis

Name and Family

Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis, is a member of the buprestid/jewel beetle family (Buprestidae).

History

The emerald ash borer (EAB) was introduced from Eastern Asia. EAB was first detected in North America near Detroit, MI and in Windsor, ON in 2002.  EAB likely arrived in wood packaging material in the early 1990’s. 

Since its initial infestation, EAB has spread to 15 U.S. states, in parts of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, across Southern Ontario, in the city of Winnipeg, and into Quebec. EAB has not yet been detected on PEI.

Ash trees are not only a vital component of island forests, they have been used as a source of fuel, in toolmaking, for baseball bats, cart axles, oars, bows, as a building material, and more. 

Black ash is known as Wisqoq in the Mi’kmaw language. Traditional uses for ash among the Mi’kmaw people include basketweaving and instrument making. For more information on black ash history, visit http://wisqoq.ca/black-ash/history/.

What it does to the ecosystem

  • The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that attacks and kills all species of ash trees, except mountain ashes (which are not true ash species).
  • EAB has killed over 99% of the ash trees it has infested in North America, making this pest exceptionally lethal. 
  • Trees are killed most often within 1-4 years of initial infestation.
  • As this species spreads throughout ash’s native range, it could lead to the functional extinction of native true ash trees in North America.
  • Loss of ash in forested areas can result in the loss of nutrients and shelter availability for wildlife, alterations in nutrient cycling, reductions in biodiversity, and more.
  • Impacted areas are more likely to be invaded by exotic plants, as the native plant community is weakened. 
  • Risks to human wellbeing:
    • Dead ash trees are structurally unsound and hazardous. There is a significant risk of these trees falling on people moving nearby or causing damage to property/infrastructure.
    • Dead ash trees present a fire risk.
    • Loss of ash as an economic resource.
    • In urban areas, ash is a favoured planting and may comprise a large component of the urban forest. Loss of ash could disproportionately affect urban wildlife, reduce shade availability, and affect property values.
    • Loss of trees in an urban environment can lead to a reduction in air quality, and the loss of urban ash may significantly impact the well-being of those with respiratory illnesses.
    • Municipalities and property owners have historically been required to foot the bill for the removal of dead and infested ash trees.
  • Black ash, Fraxinus nigra, a host of EAB, is a COSEWIC-assessed species at risk whose populations have been severely impacted by EAB.
Hosts affected

Hosts affected

True ash trees (those in the genus Fraxinus) are the only hosts known to be infested in North America. Infestations in other regions have shown that emerald ash borer is capable of infesting members of the genera Juglans (walnut), Pterocarya (wingnut), and Ulmus (elm). 

NOTE: Mountain ashes (those in the genus Sorbus) are not affected by emerald ash borer. On PEI, these include American mountain ash, Sorbus americana, showy mountain ash, Sorbus decora, and European mountain ash, Sorbus aucuparia.

True ash trees found to be infested in North America include the following list of species. Bolded species are those known to be found on PEI. Bolded and red species are those native to PEI.

  • Black ash, Fraxinus nigra
  • White ash, Fraxinus americana
  • Red ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica
  • Green ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. Subintegerrima
  • European ash, Fraxinus excelsior
  • Northern red ash, Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. Austini
  • Oregon ash, Fraxinus latifolia
  • Pumpkin ash, Fraxinus profunda
  • Blue ash, Fraxinus quadrangulata

Pathways of spread

Pathways of spread

Like any invasive species, EAB is introduced via some pathway of spread. Most introductions of invasive species are mediated by humans, and EAB is no exception. EAB will likely require some assistance to reach PEI, as the insects cannot fly distances greater than 10km, with the closest nearby mainland at over 12km away. Potential pathways of spread include:

  • Flight
    • Unlikely for initial infestation on PEI due to geographic barriers.
    • While unlikely, under high-wind conditions EAB could theoretically fly across the Northumberland Strait.
  • Hitchhiking
    • Adults or eggs hitching a ride on outdoor equipment, vehicles, people, etc. being brought to PEI. 
    • While unlikely, EAB could in theory cross the Northumberland Strait hitchhiking on a bird
  • Movement of infested wood products
    • The primary method of long-distance spread for EAB is through the movement of firewood infested with EAB larvae. The simple act of moving firewood can lead to the demise of thousands of ash trees. When the larvae in infested wood hatch, they can become established on ash trees in the nearby area and start a new infestation. By not moving firewood over long distances, you are doing your part to help prevent the spread of EAB.
    • Located in Wood Islands and Borden-Carleton are specialized Don’t Move Firewood bins. If you do mistakenly bring firewood back to PEI, these bins give you a final chance to get rid of firewood from off-island. Simply deposit your firewood in the bin and it will be safely collected and disposed of by PEIISC staff.
    • When you make a deposit of firewood in the bin, you can scan the QR code on the front of the bin to receive a coupon for a free bundle of firewood from a participating Provincial or National Park campground. In this way, you can do your part to protect PEI forests and not be out any firewood!

Check out our Don’t Move Firewood campaign page for more information on the program and how movement of firewood can lead to the spread of invasive pests and disease: Don’t Move Firewood

Regulated areas and associated federally mandated prohibitions

Regulated areas and associated federally mandated prohibitions

The emerald ash borer is rapidly spreading throughout our native ash tree’s geographic range. EAB has not yet been detected on PEI. Areas where EAB is known to be present will come under federal regulation. These regulations limit the movement of wood materials from within the regulated area to non-regulated areas. Regulated products can be moved around within a regulated area, but cannot be moved out of the area without proper certification. The CFIA has designated several EAB-infested areas of the country as regulated areas with prohibitions for the movement of certain goods identified as prime sources of spread for EAB. In the event of EAB establishment on PEI, the Island will likely also become a regulated area for EAB movement. 

Regulated infested areas include:

  • Most of Southern Ontario, up to and including the Sudbury Area.
  • Most of Southern Quebec up to Gaspésie.
  • The City of Vancouver, BC.
  • The City of Winnipeg, MB.
  • The City of Thunder Bay, ON.
  • The City of Moncton, NB.
  • Southern New Brunswick.
  • Halifax County, NS.
  • Most of the Eastern half of the USA.
  • EAB has also been confirmed in the Gaspésie and Abitibi-Témiscamingue (QC) despite these areas not yet being formally regulated.
  • For a live map of infested areas: Regulated areas and items: Emerald ash borer – inspection.canada.ca

Goods whose movement out of infested places into non-infested places is prohibited include:

  • Firewood of all species
  • Trees and any part thereof including fresh leaves, branches (with or without leaves), sawn wood, bark, logs, lumber, pulpwood and any other wood product that could harbour or sustain the life cycle of EAB, and nursery stock (rooted and unrooted) of the genus Fraxinus (commonly known as Ash).
  • Fraxinus spp. bark and chips.
  • All wood packaging materials with an ash component including pallets, pallet stock, wood packaging, and dunnage.
  • Facilities registered with the CFIA under the Canadian Heat Treated Wood Products Certification Program (CHTWPCP) or the Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) may produce compliant articles, provided that they are produced in accordance with their respective programs and display the prescribed marks, tags, or certificates.

View this information on the CFIA’s website: Areas regulated for the emerald ash borer – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)

Identification guide

Identification guide

Conducting monitoring on your own property for the presence of EAB is a valuable activity and will help support the PEIISC’s monitoring efforts for EAB on PEI.

  • Adult beetles
    • Bright metallic green, with a coppery-red back (under wings).
    • Adults have large eyes and flat faces with slender bodies.
      • The body shape resembles a bullet, tapering at the tail-end.
      • Body shape is somewhat comparable to a grasshopper but smaller, and EAB’s legs are proportionally much smaller than those of a grasshopper
    • Typically ~8.5mm long and ~1.6mm wide.
    • Adults appear from mid-May to mid-September and can be found flying throughout this period. 
    • Adults predominantly occupy the upper canopy.
    • Adults create a D-shaped hole when exiting the tree after pupating. These are approximately the size of a sesame seed (3.5-4.1mm).


Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

  • Eggs
    • 0.6-1.0mm wide.
    • Very difficult to see with the naked eye.
    • Initially white but later turn reddish-brown if fertile.
    • Eggs are deposited between bark crevices, flakes, or cracks on the surface of trees.
    • Eggs hatch two weeks after being laid.
    • Each adult female can lay 60-90 eggs.
    • Most eggs are laid in June and July. 

Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

  • Larvae
    • Eggs hatch into cream-coloured larvae.
    • Larvae are worm-like, segmented (like an intestine, but the segments are bell-shaped), flattened, and have a set of pincers on one end. 
    • Larvae range from 26-32mm in length.
    • Larvae are the overwintering stage and persist within ash trees throughout the winter.
      • Transport of ash wood-containing larvae is one major method of spread for EAB.
    • Mature larvae have a characteristic J-shape. 
    • Larval feeding creates noticeable galleries underneath the bark. These galleries have a characteristic S-shape to them and are found just below the outer bark. Galleries from larval feeding are the main cause of mortality in infested ash. Galleries can only be seen after the bark has been lost or removed.
    • Larvae pupate in April or May, emerging thereafter as adults. 
    • Larvae spend either one or two years (in cold climates) within the tree.


David Cappaert, Bugwood.org

General symptoms of EAB presence
In many cases, signs of pest damage can be more obvious than the pest itself. The following is a list of the most common symptoms of EAB infestation in true ash trees. Monitor any ash trees on your property, in your favourite park, or in a public natural area for signs of EAB damage. Signs include:

  • Sesame seed sized (approximately 3.5 – 4.1 mm), D-shaped exit holes.
  • Vertical splitting in the bark, called “bark cracking”.
  • Production of new young shoots at the base of the tree, called “epicormic shoots”.
  • S-shaped galleries from larval feeding on water-conducting tissues (this activity can create gaps that prevent the tree from moving water and nutrients through itself, called girdling).
  • Canopy dieback, beginning in the tree’s crown.
  • Evidence of woodpecker feeding activity on the bark, called “blonding”.
  • Scar tissue that appears as a lumpy or deformed mass. Called “callus formation”. 
  • Irregular notches in leaves from adult beetle feeding.
  • Sloughing off of bark.
  • A keen eye is needed, as signs will often only become obvious after a tree has been thoroughly infested. 

Potential look-alikes
As with any invasive species, there are native or non-invasive species present on PEI that look similar to emerald ash borer. 

  • Alder borer, Agrilus pensus (native)
  • Click beetle, Agirotes spp. (native and non-native species)
  • Willow gall limb borer, Agrilus politus (native)
  • Bronze birch borer, Agrilus axinus (native)
  • Rose stem girdler, Agrilus cuprescens (non-native)

Many insects can cause damage similar to that caused by emerald ash borer. In particular, the exit holes of the Lilac borer, Podosesia syringae

If you observe any insect you suspect to be emerald ash borer, it is important to report it. There is no such thing as a bad report, and the PEIISC would much rather process a mistaken suspect report than have something not be reported to us that we would have liked to have heard about.

Other sources of true ash stress
Emerald ash borer is not the only pest affecting ash trees on PEI. Other sources of ash damage in Eastern Canada include:

  • Insects:
    • Oystershell scale, Lepidosaphes ulmi
    • Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea
    • Forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria
    • Ashflower gall, Eriophyes fraxiniflora
    • Lilac borer (Ash borer), Podosesia syringae
  • Fungal diseases:
    • Sulphureus brown cubical rot, Laetiporus sulphureus
    • Ash rust, Puccinia fraxinata

Other potential sources of stress are environmental (wind damage, drought, nutrient deficiency, pollution, snow, ice, and other extreme weather) or mechanical (pruning, landscape practices, accidental damage from nearby work).

Monitoring/Surveillance

Monitoring surveillance

Monitoring for EAB will increase the likelihood of the early detection of this pest’s establishment on PEI. The earlier we detect the pest, the less costly and more effective our response will be. This makes early detection crucial to a successful response.

  • If you have seen EAB on PEI, the PEI Invasive Species Council (PEIISC) wants to know about it.
    • Report any sightings immediately to the PEIISC and your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office. 
    • Take photographs of the insect and any associated damage. Collect a specimen in a jar for identification purposes. 
    • As most outbreaks have started in urban areas, city dwellers should check out any ash trees on their property for signs of EAB activity. 
    • If you have a pool, check your filter regularly to see if any invasive insects, like EAB, have been collected there. 
Visual surveys

This survey type involves visually examining ash trees for direct or general signs of emerald ash borer presence with the naked eye.

  • Materials required
    • If you wear glasses, make sure you are wearing them.
    • Knowledge of EAB signs and symptoms.
    • Additional useful tools:
      • GPS device or cellphone
      • Camera or cameraphone
      • Measuring tape
        • To record diameter at breast height of trees.
      • Sealable container or zip-lock bags
      • PEIISC datasheets
      • Knife
      • Tree identification guide
      • Pencils
      • Flagging tape or tree labels
      • Maps
      • Field book with waterproof paper for notetaking
      • Reflective vest
      • Tick removal kit
      • First aid kit
      • Pole pruner
      • Pruning shears
      • Protective footwear
      • Sunglasses
      • Hat
      • Sunscreen
      • Bugspray
      • Boot brush
      • Compass
  • Efficacy
    • This survey type is the most accessible, as it requires no specialized tools, only a general knowledge of the appearance of EAB life stages or the signs and symptoms of EAB infestation.
    • Despite accessibility, this survey type is limited by the often late-emerging signs and symptoms of EAB infestation. Serious signs and symptoms may not appear until the tree has been infested for 2-3 years. Often, trees cleared by visual sampling will be confirmed infested after more rigorous survey methods are implemented. 
    • This survey type will however allow you to identify individual trees that are infested, rather than just gaining awareness of the general presence of EAB.
  • Target life stages
    • All life stages, depending on time of year.
  • Timing
    • Visual surveys for emerald ash borer presence can be completed at any time of year, but are most obvious during the growing season, from Spring-Early Fall. 
    • Adult beetles are active from June-September. 
    • Larvae can be found within the tree throughout the year. 
    • Eggs are difficult to find, but can be seen in June and July. 
  • Procedure
    • Survey as many trees as you are willing to, with an emphasis on declining and mature ash.
      • Symptoms can be reviewed in the “Identification, biology, and life cycle” portion of this guide. 
    • It is important to record your survey data so it can be scientifically valuable to concerned organizations like the PEIISC and CFIA. If we don’t know a survey has occurred, this important information will be lost. See the “Monitoring data recording and submission” section of this guide for information on recording data and getting it to those concerned. 

Trapping
  • The PEIISC has been working with the CFIA, the City of Charlottetown, MacPhail Woods, and the Abegweit Conservation Society to monitor for EAB presence.
    • We use Prism Traps mounted high up in priority ash trees to detect EAB. 
    • The PEIISC deploys ten traps each year in high-value and high-risk ash trees.
    • These are three-sided sticky traps that use an EAB sex pheromone and volatile compounds to attract the insect. 
    • Traps are regularly monitored for shiny green EAB adults.
    •  If you see these traps in the field
      • Do not disturb the traps.
      • If the trap has fallen or appears damaged/vandalized, check for a sticker or marking on the trap indicating the trap’s owner. If a contact number or email address is provided, reach out and inform the trapper that it has fallen.
      • For more information on this method of surveying, review the documentation at the following link: CFIA_ACIA-4922624-v11-Agrpla_for_external_distribution_E.pdf (invasivespeciescentre.ca)
  • Target life stages
    • Adult males
  • Timing
    • Traps are deployed from early June to the end of August/early September
  • Efficacy
    • This method of surveillance is considered highly effective in identifying infestation of EAB within the local area. 
    • Specific trees infested are not identified, just that EAB is nearby. 
  • The PEIISC is in search of high-risk areas to place prism traps. Target areas include:
    • Campgrounds
    • Sawmills
    • Wood processing facilities
    • Lumber yards
    • Dump sites for organic debris
    • Areas within 5km of the Confederation Bridge’s landfall
    • Areas within 5km of the Wood Islands Ferry
    • If you think you have a suitable site, and would like to participate in our trapping program, we may be able to set up a trap in your tree. Reach out to the PEIISC with site details for more information
    • Only mature trees will be selected as trapping sites.

Branch sampling
  • Branch sampling is another technique used to monitor for EAB presence. This involves the removal of healthy branches in the crown of an ash tree that then are assessed by a professional for signs of damage caused by EAB infestation.
  • Branch sampling may allow for the earlier detection of EAB compared with visual surveying, as external symptoms may not become visible for 2-3 years.
  • Branch sampling will allow for the identification of individual infested trees, while trapping simply indicates presence and absence in a general area.
  • Materials required
    • Pole pruner or tree-climbing equipment and handsaw or chainsaw.
    • Sharp knife
    • Measuring tape
    • Gloves
    • If you wear glasses, make sure you are wearing them.
    • Knowledge of EAB signs and symptoms.
    • Hard hat
    • Sealed container for branch transport
    • Additional useful tools
      • GPS device or cellphone
      • Camera or cameraphone
      • Measuring tape
      • Sealable container or zip-lock bags
      • PEIISC datasheets
      • Knife
      • Tree identification guide
      • Pencils
      • Flagging tape or tree labels
      • Maps
      • Field book with waterproof paper for notetaking
      • Reflective vest
      • Tick removal kit
      • First aid kit
      • Pole pruner
      • Pruning shears
      • Protective footwear
      • Sunglasses
      • Hat
      • Sunscreen
      • Bugspray
      • Boot brush
      • Compass
  • Target life stages
    • Larvae
    • Pupae
  • Timing
    • Any time from September-May, but branch sampling should ideally occur after October, as this is when larval feeding galleries are largest and most obvious. This is also outside of the period of activity for most insect species, meaning that pruning wounds will attract fewer insect pests to the tree.
  • Procedure
    • From the CFIA:
      • Select an open grown black, red, green, European or white ash, 6-18 m tall and 15-50 cm DBH (diameter at breast height) with large open crown;
      • Identify two live branches in the mid-crown preferably 5-7 cm in diameter at the base (minimum 3 cm; maximum 10 cm) ideally from the south side of the tree. NOTE: Be sure to follow appropriate safety procedures and to cut branches using proper tree pruning methods.
      • Cut each branch at its base using a pole, chain or pruning saw.
      • Measure off 75 cm from the base and cut the branch again at this point. Remove any lateral branches from this piece.
      • Seal the sampled branch in a container or bag to prevent accidental spread of the insect. Practice proper biosecurity measures.
      • Secure the 75 cm piece in a vise.
      • Peel (whittle) the bark in thin strips (1-2 mm thickness) from the basal 50 cm of the branch using a good quality draw- or paringknife.
      • Examine the branch carefully, looking for EAB galleries and/or larvae. Remember that gallery length varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres.
      • If you discover evidence of EAB, contact the PEIISC or CFIA immediately. Quarantine the sample in a sealed container and await further instructions.
      • Review the procedure in the original CFIA document here: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2011/rncan-nrcan/Fo123-1-111-eng.pdf

Biosurveillance
  • Biosurveillance involves the release of a distinct biological indicator species whose activity may make that of EAB easier to detect.
  • This tool is quite expensive, heavily regulated, and should only be attempted by professionals with the associated regulatory approval. 
  • For the detection of EAB, a North American native Crabonid wasp is released. These wasps exclusively nest in association with buprestid beetles, and can be used as an indicator of the presence of EAB or other buprestids.
  • For more information on this method, review this CFIA document http://www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/CFIA-CercerisBook_r06.pdf

Reporting

Reporting

Monitoring data recording and submission

  • Data recorded for an EAB monitoring report should include, where possible:
    • Location data (GPS coordinates ideal, address also useful).
    • The surveyor’s name and affiliation.
    • The survey date.
    • Contact information such as phone number or email address.
    • Number of trees inspected, number of positive & negative results.
    • Survey results (positive or negative).
    • Survey method (trapping, visual survey, branch sampling, etc.)
    • Total area surveyed in hectares.
    • Photos of suspicious damage or organisms.

Healthy true ash stands can be reported directly to the PEIISC at peiinvasives@gmail.com. Even single trees are important to record, especially when located in an urban area. This data will help the PEIISC monitor PEI’s ash population for EAB and inform a response effort should EAB arrive on PEI. Include as much data on the stand as is available. Data may include:

  • Locations of ash trees and stands (as specific as possible, digital data preferred).
  • Sizes of ash trees. (DBH)
  • Presence of mature, seed-bearing trees.
  • Percent ash coverage in an area.
  • Economic valuation of ash in an area.
  • Information on the data’s source and how the data was collected.
  • Not all of this data is required, any available data will be helpful!
  • Reports of healthy ash stands or individuals can also be reported on iNaturalist. By joining our project at the following link, you would give us access to any additional geographic information that may be hidden from the public by default depending on you settings. https://inaturalist.ca/projects/true-ash-fraxnius-spp-of-prince-edward-island
Lingering ash
  • In areas where EAB is heavily established, the search for lingering ash can begin.
  • Lingering ash are ash trees that have for one reason or another survived emerald ash borer attack.
  • Lingering ash are important, as they may represent the start of a new, EAB-resistant ash variety deserving of propagation for conservation purposes. Resistant ash could then be reintroduced into the EAB-infested environment and restore the ecological function of ash in our ecosystems. 
  • At present, because PEI remains uninfested, we cannot find any lingering ash in the province. This search would take place after several years of infestation, when trees have already been impacted.
  • Report lingering ash to the PEIISC or CFIA directly.

What to do in the event of an EAB sighting
  • If you believe you have seen EAB or symptoms of its establishment on PEI, quick reporting is crucial.
    • Report findings to the PEIISC at peiinvasives@gmail.com as soon as possible.
      • Include a description of your findings including the number of trees affected, detailed photos, the location of the find, your contact information, and the date of the find.
      • Where possible, include:
        • A description of the host tree(s).
        • The surrounding area.
        • Any other relevant information. 
    • DO NOT move EAB out of the infested area, except as a specimen in a sealed container designated for formal submission to the PEIISC or CFIA. If you see a specimen, catch and contain it on-site in a sealed container. Allow a CFIA representative to visit the site to confirm the observation.
      • Specimens can be stored in a freezer in a sealed container until dropoff or pickup can be conducted. 
      • Specimens can be submitted to the PEIISC for later submission to CFIA or to CFIA directly. Contact peiinvasives@gmail.com or sarah.macinnis@inspection.gc.ca for instructions regarding specimen submission in PEI.
  • Data can be submitted directly to CFIA via the Survey123 app:
  • Data can also be submitted in an Excel spreadsheet format:
    • From the CFIA:
      • Survey activities conducted for a regulated pest in accordance with the established CFIA survey protocol should be captured so that all collaborative efforts can be reported. An Excel spreadsheet containing latitude and longitude coordinates and address for the site surveyed, organization details and coordinates for any suspect trees can be submitted to the CFIA cfia.surveillance-surveillance.acia@canada.ca by no later than September 1st each year so that all efforts can be mapped and reported Nationally. Possible suspects should always be reported in real time.
    • Data submitted to the PEIISC directly would also be greatly appreciated, and the PEIISC can provide the data to CFIA subsequently.

Paper datasheets
  • For those who prefer to record data using pen & paper, we have created PEIISC EAB Monitoring Datasheets, which are appended to this document.
  • When starting a new datasheet, fill in:
    • Your name and contact information (Phone number and/or email address).
    • The date (DD/MM/YYYY).
    • Where you are surveying (Coordinates or address) including survey start point.
    • A short description of the area, goals, and survey crew.
    • The section number and the total area of the section, in hectares.
    • The GPS, tablet, or smartphone model used to track data (GPS ID).
    • Weather data.
      • Precipitation and cloud cover can be recorded by using the numeric code found on the datasheet. The wind is measured on the Beaufort scale, shown below, or by simply recording the actual wind speed in km/hr.
    • Survey method (visual surveys/trapping/branch sampling, etc.).
    • Form ID is an optional field that can be used to keep your sheets in order. Fill this field in with something like A-001 for your first page, A-002 for the second page, etc. 
  • Although we encourage surveyors to record all available data on the datasheet, we recognize that this data will not be available in all cases. Essential data to record in any case include
    • Tree ID/waypoint number or coordinates of tree surveyed.
    • Direct evidence of EAB presence?
    • Number of samples collected.
  • Ideal data includes:
    • Diameter at breast height.
    • General signs of stress or decline.
    • Flagging the tree and marking the tape with the tree ID/waypoint number.
      • This will help future surveyors easily replicate the survey or expand the survey to trees not previously surveyed.
    • Photos, including photographer’s initials and number of photos taken for each tree surveyed.
  • Any notable deviations from standard protocol, difficulties surveying, and other comments can be recorded in the “Additional Comments” section on the back side of the datasheet.
  • After completing the datasheets, send this data to the PEIISC to be included in our central database. When datasheets are complete: 
    • Scan all datasheets.
    • Upload all photos and GPS files. This includes both waypoints and track data.
    • Send this data to the PEIISC at peiinvasives@gmail.com. Use the subject line “EAB Survey Datasheet: (insert location, date)”, and include any additional useful information in the body of the email. A link to a Dropbox or Google Drive data location is a suitable alternative. 
    • Alternatively, data can be sent by mail to the following address: PEI Invasive Species Council, 81 Prince Street Charlottetown, PE C1A 4R3.
    • If you are unable to submit data by any of the means above, we can likely arrange a pickup in the Charlottetown area.

Figure 3: Beaufort Wind Force Scale. Credit to user Ldecola on Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Management

Management

  • At the Federal level, the focus has shifted away from the eradication of EAB within regulated areas. Now the focus is placed on preventing the further spread of EAB that would result in a reduction of fitness/health in established ash populations. 
  • After assessing the state of a future infestation on PEI, the CFIA will proceed with control and management suitable to the situation.
  • Independent emerald ash borer control should not be attempted on PEI at present. As EAB is not yet known to be found in the province, the insect should first be reported to the PEIISC or CFIA to confirm the find. These agencies will assist with the organization of a management effort for PEI, and direct you in determining the appropriate response to the pest’s presence.
Raising awareness
  • People won’t report EAB if they don’t appreciate its impacts or know how to spot it. This makes awareness an extremely important component of any invasive species management program. 
  • Work it into the conversation, or start a discussion! The potential extinction of entire species of trees in North America is a worthy topic. 
  • Share information about emerald ash borer on social media, and engage with posts on the subject. 
  • Inform people about our Don’t Move Firewood! Program: more information below.

Silvicultural control
  • Forest inventory
    • Conducting an inventory of the ash on your property is a great way to start preparing for the arrival of EAB on PEI.
    • By counting and measuring the ash trees on your property, you will be able to predict the approximate cost of treating all or selected trees.
    • Sharing the results of your forest inventory with the PEIISC will contribute to our presence map for ash on PEI. By knowing where your ash are, we can alert you of the presence of emerald ash borer in the local area and work with you to conduct monitoring of ash under threat on your property. 
  • Improving local biodiversity
    • Improving species diversity can increase the resilience of forested areas to disturbances such as that caused by invasive species.
    • Monocultures of ash or areas with high densities of ash will be more susceptible to spread of EAB than single trees or small stands. This is because large stands and monocultures act as “highways” for EAB, allowing them to travel and spread quickly throughout the area from tree to tree. Having space between stands and individual trees decreases the likelihood of spread. 
  • Promoting ash tree health
    • Engagement with the provincial Forestry Enhancement Program can put you in touch with professionals who may be able to offer guidance and support in the pursuit of improving the health of ash trees and other components of a woodland. 
    • Practice good silvicultural technique to promote the individual health of trees:
    • You can also reach out to a local forestry consultant to make recommendations specific to your situation.

Assessing whether a tree is worth treating
  • Once a tree has become infested, it is time to decide whether to remove the tree or treat it. Treatment will be through chemical control, by applying pesticide by trunk injection or basal bark spray.
  • Valuable ash trees should, if possible, be treated to prevent further decline under the effects of emerald ash borer. 
  • Determining the value of an ash tree can be subjective. Things to think about when determining the value of ash trees include:
    • Crown dieback. If the tree has lost more than 50% of its canopy, it may not respond to treatment.
    • Does the tree provide you personal benefit? Does it provide shade, ornamental beauty, act as a wind break, or improve property value? 
    • Does the tree provide shelter or nutrients to local wildlife?
    • Does the tree have good structure and appear otherwise healthy?
    • Is the tree planted in a good place?
  • Once a decision has been made, proceed to either treat the tree or remove it.

Insecticidal treatment
  • Professionally-applied insecticides exist and can act as a preventative measure for treating high-value ash trees.
    • This is generally accepted as the most effective method to protect your ash trees from EAB.
    • Trees within 25km of a known infestation are good candidates for treatment. Trees outside of this range can still be treated, but the treatment may be premature. 
  • Trunk-injected systemic insecticides travel from the base of the trunk throughout the tree, making it poisonous to wood-boring insects.
    • These are non-selective insecticides, and can have impacts on the surrounding ecosystem as other organisms interact with the treated tree.
  • Using a selective insecticide that targets EAB specifically can prevent unintended damage to populations of beneficial insects in the area. 
  • If the tree’s canopy is less than 50% affected, then treatment with properly regimented insecticides may save the tree.
    • With a greater than 50% loss of canopy, the tree has little hope of regenerating. 
    • Some sources suggest that with more than 30% of the canopy affected, trees may be untreatable.
    • These insecticides are often best used as preventative treatments for healthy ash under threat of infestation rather than to restore health after infestation.
      • Ash within 30km of a known infestation are considered at risk. 
  • Several insecticide treatments exist and are applied by a multitude of methods. Insecticides registered for emerald ash borer include:
    • TreeAzin systemic insecticide
      • Lallemand Inc./BioForest
      • Group unknown
      • Active ingredient: azadiracthin
      • Method of application: Trunk injection
      • Provides 1-2 years of control.
    • Acecap 97 systemic insecticide implants
      • UPL Agrosolutions Canada Inc.
      • Group 1B
      • Active ingredient: Acephate
      • Method of application: Trunk implant
      • Provides 18 weeks of control.
    • Confidor 200 SL systemic insecticide
      • 2022 Environmental Science CA Inc.
      • Group 4A
      • Active ingredient: Imidacloprid
      • Method of application: Trunk injection
      • Provides 1-2 years of control
    • Ima-Jet
      • Arborjet Inc.
      • Group 4A
      • Active ingredient: Imidacloprid
      • Method of application: Root flare injection
      • Provides 1-2 years of control.
    • Ima-Jet 10
      • Arborjet Inc.
      • Group 4A
      • Active ingredient: Imidacloprid
      • Method of application: Root flare injection
      • Provides 1-2 years of control.
  • Be sure to choose the right insecticide for the job, consult professionals, follow all manufacturer’s instructions, and adhere to all local legislation when applying insecticides. A pesticide applicator’s licence (Class E, landscape) is required to apply trunk-injected insecticides.
  • Chemical treatment in many cases can end up being more affordable or comparable in price to removing the tree, and thus should always be considered.
  • After treatment, prune out dead branches.

Removal of infested trees deemed unworthy of treatment
  • Chipping
    • For infested trees deemed unworthy of treatment, cut the affected tree down and put all parts into a chipper.
    • Chip the tree into pieces no larger than one inch.
    • Grind the stump.  
    • Before leaving, check and clean all clothing, equipment, and vehicles to ensure no EAB life stage (egg, larva, pupa, or adult) is transported offsite with equipment. 
    • Removed trees can also be burned or buried on-site if no chipper is available and if safety allows.
  • Burning
    • Removed trees can also be burned or buried on-site if no chipper is available and if safety allows.
    • Burning may be prohibited seasonally or based on some other measured risk. 
    • With any fire comes risks. Fire can spread quickly, especially during times of drought. It is important to assess the applicable safety risks associated with a burn before undertaking one.
    • Check out the provincial Fire Weather Index (FWI), active from March 15 – November 30, at this link Fire Weather Index (FWI) | Government of Prince Edward Island.
    • Burning may require a Domestic Burning Permit from the PEI Department of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action.
      • https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/fr/service/domestic-burning-permit-online-application
  • Reintroduction
    • As reintroduction of ash to infested areas is not generally a feasible option, after a tree is removed, you will want to consider replacing it. When choosing a tree, ensure it is suitable for planting at the proposed site (in terms of soil type, wetness, habitat composition, etc.) Suitable replacement trees:
      • For function
        • Elm, Ulnmus spp. (Dutch elm disease resistant varieties)
        • Northern red oak, Quercus rubra
        • Balsam poplar, Populus balsaminifera
        • Eastern white cedar, Thuja occidentalis
        • Red maple, Acer rubrum
      • For looks
        • Butternut, Juglans cinerea
        • Black walnut, Juglans nigra
        • American mountain ash, Sorbus americana
        • Showy mountain ash, Sorbus decora

Biological control
  • Biological control involves the release of a natural predator or disease against a target invasive species. This process is heavily regulated, with research taking place for a long period of time in the control agent’s native range. After rigorous testing to determine the potential impacts on non-target species, the control agent is introduced. Control agents are selected for specificity to the target invasive species. Biological control release is directed primarily by government agencies and pest control professionals. 
  • Biological control agents must be approved for use in your area before release. Check with your local regulatory agency to determine whether these agents can legally be released before doing so.
  • An effective biocontrol method is the release of parasitic wasps that are found in EAB’s native range.
    • After significant research in collaboration with the USDA, four species of EAB-killing wasp have been approved for release in Canada, and three have been found effective in controlling EAB populations here. 
    • These wasps have been released by Natural Resources Canada Forestry Service at 19 sites in Quebec and Ontario, and are not available commercially for public dissemination. 
    • The parasites affect the various life stages of EAB. 
    • These wasps have been found capable of establishing themselves in the wild in North America. 
    • EAB density has been shown to have decreased significantly following a regiment of control that included parasitic wasp release.
      • It is difficult to determine whether this decline may be attributed to the relative decline in ash tree populations in those areas that occurred over the same period. Nevertheless, these results are promising!
  • A new type of trap called FraxiProtec has been recently developed by GDG environment.
    • This trap uses a fungus, Beauveria bassiana, that infects and kills EAB over time. 
    • The trap attracts and captures the insect, inoculates it with the fungus, and then allows it to leave, further dispersing the fungal spores. 
    • Affected EAB will gradually die from the fungal infection. 
    • This can be a fairly effective control method when used in conjunction with other management tactics.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity

When leaving an area of known EAB infestation, especially during the period throughout which adults are mobile, check your person, vehicles, and equipment for hitchhiking adults before leaving. 

If you know or suspect that you have been in an EAB-infested area, it is important not to inadvertently spread EAB from that area to an uninfested place. Practice proper biosecurity measures to reduce the chance of spread when moving into and out of an infested place.

When moving into and out of any natural area, it is important to ensure that you are not facilitating the transfer of organisms. This includes insects, arachnids, seeds, root pieces, fungi, nematodes, and other soil-borne organisms. By cleaning your boots and clothing of all organic material before entering and leaving the area, you can prevent the spread of EAB and other invasive species. 

Emerald Ash Borer D-shaped exit holes. Photo by Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, via Wikimedia Commons
Emerald ash borer with bright green back and coppery red underwings. Photo by Howard Russell, Michigan State University, via Wikimedia Commons
Emerald ash borer with penny for scale. Photo by Howard Russell, Michigan State University, via Wikimedia Commons

References

Emerald ash borer mainpage (invasiveinsects.ca)

Emerald Ash Borer

Insects and Diseases – City of Charlottetown

Emerald Ash Borer – Profile | Invasive Species Centre

Emerald ash borer – Agrilus planipennis – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca)