Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis

Maine Quarantine on Emerald Ash Borer Announced
adult emerald ash borer

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has announced a formal quarantine on emerald ash borer (EAB) and material that may harbor it.

A public comment period on proposed changes to the quarantine, including expansion of the area covered in Maine, is open until 5:00 PM February 28, 2020.

Quarantine Area: The quarantine area includes all of York County and the northeastern corner of Aroostook County. The quarantine boundaries were drawn to include a buffer on those towns where EAB had been detected. EAB was found in northern Aroostook County in May 2018 and in western York County in September 2018.

In 2019, EAB was detected in Portland, ME (Cumberland County). An emergency order is in place to limit movement of infested ash from parts of Cumberland County.


emerald ash borer adult on head of penny

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is one of the most serious invasive species threatening our ash resources and forests. All species of (Fraxinus) ash trees, but not (Sorbus) mountain ash, that grow in Maine are susceptible to injury and death by the emerald ash borer.

EAB was first found in Aroostook County (Madawaska, Frenchville, and Grand Isle), and York County (Acton, Berwick, and Lebanon), ME in 2018. It was detected in Cumberland County (Portland) in October 2019.

Report a Suspect

What's New

January 23, 2020 - Comment Period Open for Proposed Changes to the Maine Hemlock Woolly Adelgid and Emerald Ash Borer Quarantines
November 18, 2019 - Emerald Ash Borer Girdled Trap Tree Survey Update
October 18, 2019 - Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in Portland, Maine’s “Forest City”
July 16, 2019 - Update: Emerald ash borer’s insect enemies being released Thu, July 18
April 17, 2019 - Maine Quarantine on Emerald Ash Borer Announced
March 8, 2019 - Emerald Ash Borer Found in a Third Town in Southern Maine
January 15, 2019 - Public Hearing on Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine in Maine (PDF)
September 19, 2019 - Proposed Rule to Deregulate the Domestic Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine Questions regarding the elimination of the federal quarantine

EAB Identification

adult emerald ash borer
EAB and Lookalikes
Ash Trees Can you identify an ash tree?
Signs and Symptoms of Infestation
Report a Suspect Either the beetle or signs of infestation

Maps, Regulations & Quarantine Information

EAB quarantine map
EAB Quarantine:
U.S. Quarantine/Maps Current map and regulatory information for the U.S.
Canadian rules regarding importing ash from the U.S. and quarantined areas Implications for Maine ash exporters.
Best Management Practices for Handling Ash within Regulated Areas (PDF) Slow the spread within quarantine areas.
Guidance for Solid Waste Handlers (PDF) Dealing with potentially infested ash in and outside quarantine areas.
Memo to Tree Sellers From Maine's State Horticulturist
Firewood Ban Maine's Emergency Order banning out-of-state firewood

Caring for Ash Trees & Managing Forests

EAB management
Ash Treatment Guide for Homeowners (PDF)
Guidance for Maine Forest Managers
Information for Maine Landowners
Insecticide Options for Protecting Ash Trees from Emerald Ash Borer (PDF)
Municipal Management Plan - Sample (PDF)
Best Management Practices for Handling Ash within Regulated Areas (PDF) Slow the spread within quarantine areas.
Guidance for Solid Waste Handlers (PDF) Dealing with potentially infested ash in and outside quarantine areas.

Surveillance, Outreach, Involvement

survey, outreach, involvement
Biosurveillance Monitoring for EAB with the Cerceris wasp
Purple Trap Survey USDA's detection trap
Trap Tree Network Girdling an ash for EAB detection
Tree-Tagging Helping the public appreciate the value of trees
Volunteer Resources Free items to help spread the word

Additional Resources

faq
The Story of Emerald Ash Borer a pictorial essay about EAB by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Emerald Ash Borer General Presentations (April 2019):
Emerald Ash Borer Municipal Forum Presentations (December 2019):

FAQs

faq
General Basic frequently asked questions about EAB
Quarantine Questions commonly asked about Maine's EAB quarantine (PDF)

Updated: January 23, 2020

Maine Bug Watch