MOUNTAIN VIEW, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation says the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in 16 new Missouri counties, including Douglas and Ozark counties.
EAB is a small, metallic green beetle native to Asia that attacks all species of ash trees by feeding on the vascular tissues just under the bark during the larval stage. More than 99 percent of the ash trees that are attacked by the insect die, according to MDC officials.
EAB will likely be found statewide within the next few years, prompting MDC officials to urge Missourians with ash trees in their yard to make a plan now to either remove those trees or treat them with an insecticide.
Since EAB was first detected in Missouri in July 2008, this tree-killing pest has spread to a total of 75 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis.
MDC encourages Missourians to report possible EAB infestations in counties where the pest has not yet been confirmed. Reports can be made by using the online form at eab.missouri.edu or by calling 1-866-716-9974.
