Taylor’s Firewood and Emerald Ash Borer

Taylor’s Firewood and Emerald Ash Borer

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Emerald Ash Borer Photograph and information directly below taken from emeraldashborer.info.

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic beetle that was discovered in southeastern Michigan near Detroit in the summer of 2002. The adult beetles nibble on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

Information directly below taken from information distributed publicly, written by Jacob Ryg, Rochester City Forester.
What is the issue?

  • TAYLORS WOOD PRODUCTS firewood was improperly imported into Minnesota and other states.
  • The firewood came from areas quarantined for Emerald Ash Borer.
  • Consumers should immediately burn this firewood in case it contains EAB.

What is the risk?

  • EAB is a non-native insect that has killed nearly 20 million ash trees since it was accidentally introduced into Michigan from Asia.
  • This invasive insect has spread to other states and Canadian provinces due to the movement of infested firewood and nursery stock.
    • EAB has subsequently spread to Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, and Illinois.
  • EAB is not in Minnesota yet, but it may spread through infested wood from other states.

What went wrong?

  • This firewood was supposed to have the bark removed so no bugs could hide inside.
  • Unfortunately, the bark on this wood was not removed, so it may contain EAB.
  • If the wood contains EAB and the pests emerge, they could infest nearby ash trees.

What can consumers do?

  • Check any firewood you purchased to see if it has Taylors Wood Products on the label. If so, burn it as soon as possible.
  • This firewood must be burned before May 4 to ensure that any EAB doesn’t emerge.
  • In general, don’t transport firewood even when you go camping within Minnesota. Buy firewood where you intend to burn it.
  • If consumers want to contact MDA with questions or seeking more information, they can contact Terry McDill at 651-201-6448,or by email.

What is MDA doing?

  • Minnesota and other states are working together to educate the public about EAB and firewood.
    • Next month, we will hold an EAB awareness week with events to educate the public.
    • We are working with DNR and private campgrounds to educate campers about the importance of buying firewood locally.
  • We are conducting an investigation to make sure we know exactly which stores received this wood. So far, we have found only that it went to a number of Menards stores in Minnesota.
    • To its credit, Menards has fully cooperated with our investigation and has volunteered to withdraw remaining product from sale.
    • For more information about EAB and other tree pests, visit the MDA website.

How does EAB attack trees?

  • EAB larvae feed just under the bark of ash trees, killing them within five years by preventing the flow of water and nutrients in the tree.
  • Unlike other native wood boring beetles, this insect attacks healthy ash trees.
  • Minnesota has over 870 million ash trees, more than nearly any other state. Many of these ash trees are in urban and residential areas.