Trapping program tracks movement of Emeral Ash Borer

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture and Fairfax County, is about to embark on a statewide survey to determine the extent of areas infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). EAB larvae kill ash trees by feeding on the inner bark and disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. It was introduced accidentally into the United States, most likely in wood packing materials coming from Asia, and was first detected in Michigan in 2002. The first EAB detection in Virginia occurred in Fairfax County in 2003, at an elementary school where infected ash trees sent from a nursery in Michigan had been planted. To prevent the spread of EAB, all ash trees within a half mile radius of the school were cut and chipped.

Over the next few years, ongoing surveys for EAB were negative, which suggested that the infestation had been contained and effectively eradicated. Unfortunately, EAB was detected again at multiple sites in Fairfax County in 2008, which resulted in the issuance of a quarantine for ten northern Virginia counties and independent cities, including the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park. The quarantine restricts the movement of regulated articles from quarantined localities to non-quarantined localities. The regulated articles, which include ash trees, green (non-heat treated) ash lumber and ash wood products, as well as hardwood firewood, pose a significant risk of transporting EAB.

VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore explained the reasons for the upcoming survey, which will start in mid-April and run through the end of August. “EAB has already killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio and we are aware of several infestations in Northern Virginia. The damage caused by this invasive insect can mean the loss of millions of dollars for homeowners, landowners, nursery, and forest products industries. It is extremely important to track the progression of EAB in order to alert localities to its possible spread which will help in making management decisions. If we can determine its spread, it will help unaffected localities develop options for the management of this destructive pest.”

As part of the upcoming EAB survey efforts, VDACS personnel will install 3,500 traps throughout the state. Most of the traps will be placed in the quarantine area, but a limited number of traps will also be placed at select points in every county in Virginia. The traps are easy to spot. They are purple in color, triangular in shape, and measure 14" wide by 24" long. The traps are baited with natural plant oil and covered with a non-toxic glue to catch the insects. The traps are especially useful for revealing new infestations that would otherwise remain undetected. VDACS staff will check the traps periodically to ensure proper placement, replace the lure, collect specimens, and remove the traps at the end of the survey.

Find additional information about the EAB at www.emeraldashborer.info. For additional information about EAB and other forest pest activities in Fairfax County, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/trees.htm.