Bronson Announces A Program To Trap The Emerald Ash Borer...
~ A Destructive Beetle That Kills Ash Trees ~
For Information, Contact:
Denise Feiber, FDACS/DPI
(352) 372-3505 ext. 102
cell: (352) 235-0036
Denise.Feiber@freshfromflorida.com
June 16, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced the establishment of a statewide emerald ash borer (EAB) trapping program to help prevent the introduction of this dangerous pest of ash trees. Bronson is also warning the public that firewood and other wood products can contain destructive pests, including EAB, and is urging people to take steps to reduce the chances of possible infestations.
Bronson’s Division of Plant Industry has posted a public service announcement about the EAB trapping program and ways to prevent the introduction of destructive beetles and other insects into Florida on its website at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/video/EAB_trapping.wmv.
The emerald ash borer, a metallic green beetle about half an inch in length, has been on the move since its US arrival in 2002. It has already killed millions of ash trees in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and most recently in Kentucky.
Control of any wood-boring insect, once established, is very difficult so prevention is critical. States already infested with EAB, as well as the federal government, regulate movement of firewood, nursery stock and other ash wood materials. Florida is in the process of developing regulatory rules that will limit the movement of firewood and other unprocessed wood products into and within the state.
Florida has four known varieties of ash trees: white, pop, green, and pumpkin which grow primarily throughout the northern part of the state.
The Department has placed traps in Florida counties identified as high risk areas because of the possibility of infested firewood being brought in by campers from states where emerald ash borer has been found. Two hundred traps have been placed and are monitored monthly. Entomologists at the Division of Plant Industry examine trap contents monthly at their headquarters in Gainesville.
Symptoms of EAB infestation on ash trees include a general decline of tree health and canopy dieback. Look for split bark, serpentine larval galleries, and D-shaped exit holes. Larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Extensive larval damage can lead to tree death. View photos of these symptoms at www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/.
The redbay ambrosia beetle is another devastating insect, now found in several Florida counties, that infests red bay and other Florida trees, including avocado trees.
The redbay ambrosia beetle carries laurel wilt, a disease that is responsible for the death of thousands of Florida trees. The beetle can also be moved on firewood and host tree debris.
The public can help prevent the introduction of wood-boring insects by following these simple guidelines:
- Do not transport firewood from other states or within Florida. Emerald ash borer and other dangerous pests and diseases can hitchhike on firewood infesting new areas at an alarming rate.
- When building a fire, use local firewood only.
- Burn all firewood at your campsite before you leave.
- Do not take any firewood home with you.
And to further protect Florida’s plant industry, the Department recommends that you
- Report any suspicious plant pests or diseases.
- Don’t pack a pest – when you travel, don’t pack food or other products in your luggage that might contain harmful pests and diseases.
- Purchase only certified plants from registered nurseries.
Bronson is urging the public to help protect native ash trees and Florida’s natural environment by preventing the introduction of harmful pests and diseases like the emerald ash borer. If you think you have seen an emerald ash borer or a diseased ash tree, contact the Division’s helpline at 888-397-1517. For more information, visit www.freshfromflorida.com/pi and click on Emerald Ash Borer. Click here to view the emerald ash borer public service announcement http://www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/video/EAB_trapping.wmv. Photos below.
Figure 1: Adult Emeral Ash Borer on penny
Howard Russell, Michigan State University, www.Bugwood.org
Figure 2: EAB Larval Galleries
Art Wagner, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.Bugwood.org
Figure 3: EAB Adult
David Cappaert, Michigan State University, www.Bugwood.org
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