Need Help with Emerald Ash Borer? Who Should You Call?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2008

University of Illinois Extension? The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA)? These organizations may sound like one in the same to a homeowner concerned about losing their favorite tree, but in fact they are not. These organizations work in cooperation with each other and have common interests, but each has its own unique role in the community.

The University of Illinois Extension offers educational outreach from county based offices. If you are looking for information about how to tell an ash tree from another species, what the symptoms of EAB infestations, what the insect looks like and what the life cycle is, then you should call your local Extension office. In Kane County that number is 630-584-6166. Or you can visit our website at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/kane and click on the EAB icon.

If you are seeking information regarding issues relating to EAB such as quarantine specifics, getting infected trees removed, disposing of them and possible financial help available, then you should first visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.state.il.us . From this page, you can navigate to aerial maps of Kane County showing infested areas; learn more about the quarantine, compliance agreements and the reduction strategy being implemented.

If you want to know if your trees are infested with EAB, you will need to do some homework on your own, or call a qualified arborist to get your trees inspected. U of I Extension does not inspect trees on site, but we will look at insects brought to our office. We can determine if we think there is a high likelihood that it is an EAB. Because EAB is a regulated species, U of I Extension will refer likely samples to the IDA for positive identification. IDA will only inspect trees after suspicion of infestation has been confirmed. If you suspect EAB, please take digital photographs of the tree and the symptoms and email them with your contact information to agr.eab@illinois.gov. If suspicious evidence is confirmed, contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 1-800-641-3934.

EAB is a serious problem. do your homework. Know your trees. Know the symptoms and know what and when to look for the insect. And don't move firewood. Those are the first steps in keeping this pest in check.