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LINCOLN – Governor Dave Heineman has declared May 18-24 as Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in Nebraska. The purpose of the proclamation is to increase awareness of the emerald ash borer, which, if found in Nebraska, could affect the state’s 30 million ash trees. “Nebraskans need to be vigilant to help prevent the introduction of the emerald ash borer into Nebraska,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach. “Simple steps, such as not transporting firewood across state lines, can help prevent the spread of the beetle.” Emerald ash borers have been found in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The beetle has killed more than thirty million ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone. Tens of millions more trees have been lost in Ohio and Indiana. Emerald ash borer is a small, metallic green beetle that infects ash trees. Adult emerald ash borers are approximately ˝ inch in length, and emerge in the late spring. The larvae feed just under the bark of the tree. The feeding damages, and eventually kills, the tree. Trees that are infected with emerald ash borers will exhibit canopy dieback, water sprouts, bark splitting, serpentine-like galleries, and D shaped exit holes. Nebraskans are encouraged to examine their ash trees for these symptoms. For more information on the emerald ash borer, including pictures of the beetle, log onto the Nebraska Department of Agriculture website at www.agr.ne.gov. If you feel you may have an ash tree showing signs of emerald ash borer infestation, please contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at (402) 471-2394. |
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