An Adult Emerald Ash Borer
FREDONIA – An invasive species has once again been detected in Western New York and for the first time, here in Chautauqua County.
Officials with Cornell Cooperative extension says two recent detections of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infested trees in Angola, NY (Erie County) and Fredonia, NY (Chautauqua County), both near the NYS Thruway, remind local communities and landowners to continue to be vigilant in planning and preparing for the eventual, but gradual spread of this devastating invasive insect.
Experts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the US Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service confirmed in March that EAB larvae were removed from ash trees at both sites in late February.
The Chautauqua County detection, according to NYS DEC, is significant in that it is the first reported find of EAB infested ash trees in that county.
The infested trees were detected by a member of the WNY EAB Taskforce who observed bark stripped from ash trees by woodpeckers (woodpeckering on ash), a sign of an infestation on ash trees which is most visible during late winter when EAB larvae are larger.
Emerald ash borer is a small invasive green beetle that infests and kills all species of American ash (Fraxinus) trees. Left unchecked an EAB infestation will kill all ash trees.
Questions about ash tree management options or other questions regarding emerald ash borer can be directed to locally to NYS DEC Region 9 Forestry Division (716-851-7010), or WNY EAB Taskforce (716-652-5400 x 150).
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