Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle originating in East Asia that is highly destructive and kills ash trees (Fraxinus sp.) within 2 to 5 years. It is a federally regulated pest and was found in Vancouver and Burnaby in 2024. Named for its iridescent, metallic green colour, they are about one centimetre long. It is typically spread through the movement of firewood and ash material although it can also fly about 10 kilometres. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has set up a regulated area in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Nursery tree growers have reduced their current plantings of ash due to the infestation of Emerald Ash Borer in Oregon. However, there are still BC growers of ash that ship to the prairie provinces. Ash trees are preferred in that region since they are cold hardy. CFIA has a slow-the-spread strategy in areas of infestation which they implement by regulating the movement of ash nursery stock, ash trees, ash logs, ash wood, rough lumber from ash trees and firewood of all tree species. They also do surveillance and provide information on EAB that can be found HERE.

BCLNA has alerted our Ash growers and is monitoring the situation to stay informed about regulatory actions and potential mitigation measures. BCLNA also collaborated with the Invasive Species Council of BC to provide an information webinar to horticulture practitioners and municipalities to raise awareness and encourage eradication before the pest is endemic in BC.