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Emerald Ash Borer

Community Fact Sheet

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an exotic woodborer that was found attacking and killing ash trees in Michigan during 2002. Since its detection, EAB has killed millions of ash trees and has spread into Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and other states. EAB has been confirmed in the nearby towns of Geneva, Batavia, North Aurora and Naperville, as well as numerous surrounding communities. EAB is easily spread through the movement of firewood, logs and nursery stock. The Emerald Ash Borer is a devastating and destructive pest that greatly affects the urban forest. The majority of communities with confirmed EAB infestation adopt a selective ash tree removal strategy as a management plan to help mitigate and control the spread of EAB.

The City of Aurora is proactively preparing for the arrival of Emerald Ash Borer by:

• Monitoring for EAB by inspection of all city owned ash trees removed due to accidents or poor/declining health, as part of an overall ash tree reduction plan.
• Replacement with a diversified selection of trees (no ash trees will be used for replanting)
• Testing for the presence of EAB through a cooperative effort between the City of Aurora, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Morton Arboretum. Thirty (30) Ash trees throughout the City have been selected as “trap” trees for the purpose of Emerald Ash Borer detection.
• Implementation of a Trapping Program (July 2008), which uses insect lures to determine if EAB is present.
• Updating City ordinances to include specifications about ash trees and EAB.
• Providing training to city staff who will respond to EAB.
• Developing a public awareness campaign including publications and information about the Emerald Ash Borer. For more information, visit www.aurora-il.org

Homeowners should prepare for the possible arrival of EAB within their own yards. Homeowners should keep informed regarding the location of any local EAB-infestations and periodically examining their trees. If any signs of an EAB-infestation are suspected, homeowners should contact:

• City of Aurora Customer Service Division at (630) 264-INFO (4636)
• a local professional arborist
• The local University of Illinois Extension Service office. Find the closest office at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/cie2/offices/findoffice.cfm, or by calling (217) 333-5900.
• National EAB Hotline: (866) EAB-4512

If, after consultation with a local expert an EAB infestation is suspected, you should contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture HOTLINE at 1-800-641-3934.

STAY INFORMED AND FOLLOW DIRECTIVES FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Check for periodic updates at these websites:

• www.emeraldashborer.info
• www.IllinoisEAB.com