SPENCER — The list of quarantined areas in the state is growing due to the Emerald Ash Borer, (EAB), an invasive pest targeting ash trees. The prohibition on the movement of ash trees and ash tree products is now effective in 59 counties, which now includes DeKalb, Warren, Cannon and Van Buren in the Upper Cumberland.
Bedford and Lincoln counties were also added due to the recent finding of EAB in traps placed by a USDA contractor. Cannon, Coffee, Grundy, Moore, Sequatchie and Warren are quarantined, too, because regulatory officials believe EAB is most likely present but hasn’t been detected so far. The quarantine now includes 14 of 14 Upper Cumberland counties. White County was the most recent in July.
EAB is a destructive forest pest that was introduced from Asia into the United States in the 1990s. It was first detected in Tennessee in July 2010. EAB beetles can kill an ash tree within three years of the initial infestation.
Humans tend to contribute to the spread of EAB, unknowingly transporting the insects through infested nursery stock, firewood, unprocessed saw logs, and other ash products.
Citizens should report any symptomatic ash trees to TDA and follow these simple rules:
- Don’t transport any firewood, even within the state.
- Use firewood from local sources near where it will be burned.
- If you purchase firewood, make sure that it is labeled and certified to be pest free.
- Watch for signs of infestation in your ash trees.
Visit www.tn.gov/agriculture/topic/ag-businesses-eab for a symptoms checklist and a map of quarantined counties.
