Be on the lookout for signs of emerald ash borer

We need your help detecting populations of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB). This tree-killing beetle has been found in 31 Missouri counties so far, but we suspect it is present in several more. EAB kills ash trees in the genus Fraxinus, which includes the commonly planted green ash and white ash.

How can you help find EAB? It’s easy. While birding, watching wildlife, hiking, or enjoying other outdoor pursuits this winter, please keep an eye out for bark blonding on ash trees and report tree locations using the online form at eab.missouri.edu. We are most interested in reports from new counties where EAB has not yet been found

So, what is bark blonding? Woodpeckers searching for insect larvae inside trees often pop off the outer bark. On ash trees, this feeding activity reveals a white inner bark that is highly noticeable. Ash trees with bark blonding may not have EAB, but it is certainly worth reporting these trees for a closer look by trained foresters.