Nebraska EAB Update

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Columbus, Nebraska. The insects were discovered in an NDA trap used to monitor the spread of EAB across the state. This is the first detection of EAB in Platte County. EAB, an invasive beetle that attacks and kills ash trees, was first discovered in Nebraska in 2016. Since that time, EAB has been confirmed in Cass, Buffalo, Dodge, Douglas, Hall, Lancaster, Saunders, Seward, and Washington counties.

“Nebraskans continue trying to slow the spread of this destructive pest, but it’s difficult to stop its progress entirely,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “Monitoring for the pest as it moves within the state gives people more time to prepare for its arrival in their community and develop plans for managing for EAB and disposing of infested ash trees. Since August is National Tree Check month, it’s a good time to check your trees for invasive pests like emerald ash borer.”

If you are in a non-infested county and think you have located an EAB infestation, please report it to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 402-471-2351, the Nebraska Forest Service at 402-472-2944 or your local USDA office at 402-434-2345.