Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic insect native to China that was first discovered in Detroit, Michigan in 2002. Since it was first discovered EAB has spread to 35 states and is responsible for the loss of more than 100 million ash trees in the United States. The threat to our ash trees is similar to what we saw happen to our elm with Dutch Elm Disease (DED) in the 1970’s.  

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 Press Release:

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) Forest Health Team has confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Brandon, South Dakota. EAB has previously been confirmed in other areas of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.   

“A group of ash trees showing common symptoms of an EAB infestation was discovered by a DANR forest health specialist working in Brandon,” said Marcus Warnke, DANR State Forester. “Upon inspection the presence of EAB larvae and adult exit holes were confirmed in one of the trees.”

The discovery was immediately reported to city officials.

"Brandon has been anticipating the arrival of EAB in the community,” said Bryan Read, Brandon City Administrator. “The infested trees were already marked for removal as part of our program to reduce the ash population.”

The movement of infested wood, including firewood, is a common way to spread EAB from one community to another. State and local quarantines are in place to help slow the spread, but it is important to remember not to move firewood – Buy it Where you Burn It!

Visit the website below for update to date quarantine and other information.

For more information about EAB or to report a suspected sighting please visit https://emeraldashborerinsouthdakota.sd.gov/.

View the documents for information on EAB such as FAQ's, city guidelines for treatment and removal.  The FAQ sheet has drop-off sites to take your trees.  

LIST OF LICENSED TREE PESTICIDE APPLICATORS BELOW.