If you haven't heard of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), please educate yourself (links below).

It's only a matter of time. It was discovered in Missoui on July 23, 2008 in Wayne county.

In Missouri, if you suspect you may have EAB in your ash trees, call the toll-free EAB Hotline: 1-866-716-9974, e-mail foresthealth@mdc.mo.gov, fill in the form at the Missouri Department of Conservation, or contact Collin Wamsley, State Entomologist, Missouri Department of Agriculture, 573-751-5505.

Close up of Emerald Ash Borer

Actual Size of Adult Emerald Ash Borer on a Penny

Adult Emerald Ash Borer Measured Against Ruler

Emerald Ash Borer Larvae

Emerald Ash Borer Larvae "D" Shaped Exit Hole

The adults emerge through the tree in distinctive and unique 1/8 inch D - shaped exit holes (other beetle leave round or oval exit holes).

Emerald Ash Borer Tunnel Damage

The larvae the burrow below the bark and begin feeding on the outer most ring of the tree (the cambium and phloem) which distributes the trees nutrients and water to the top and bottom of the tree. The S - shaped tunnels (or galleries) made by the larvae destroys the outer ring and the tree essentially starves.

Ash Tree Leaves

Sourcer for EAB Information:

Missouri Department of Conservation Video Pubic Service Announcements

Missouri Department of Conservation Blog

Emerald Ash Borer Found in Wayne County

Comprehensive Information on the Emerald Ash Borer including Migration Maps

Missouri State Parks Firewood Quarantine

University of Missouri Plant Management Network Journal

Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association

University of Missouri School of Natural Resources