Base declares week Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week Published May 18, 2009 By Karen Beason Base Natural Resources Manager WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The base has formally proclaimed the week of May 17-24 as "Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week" to raise public awareness about an ash tree-killing insect, and the collective efforts underway to slow its spread. The local proclamation highlights the importance of the continued cooperation and support of citizens, tourists, communities, governments, and industry partners necessary for slowing the spread of the pest to protect the nation's billions of ash trees, all of which are at risk if the insect is not stopped. During Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week and throughout the entire year, residents are urged to learn more about EAB and adhere to state and federal quarantines that ban the movement of ash trees, ash materials, and all non-coniferous firewood from Ohio's quarantined areas. "We encourage Ohioans to stay informed about the spread of Emerald Ash Borer," said State Forester David Lytle. "Community leaders and woodland owners proactively seeking assistance from professional foresters will be better equipped to manage impacts on communities caused by EAB." EAB is an exotic, invasive insect that attacks and kills native ash trees. The pest was discovered in Ohio in 2003. Adult insects are a half inch in length, metallic green and fly from May to September. The larvae live under the bark and are creamy white, segmented and an inch in length. Notable EAB signs are one-eighth inch, D-shaped exit holes in the bark and serpentine tunnels packed with sawdust under the bark. For more information about EAB and the state's quarantined areas, contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 1-888-OHIO-EAB. If you are interested in rural or urban forest management assistance, please contact the Ohio Division of Forestry, 1-877-247-8733. For questions regarding local forest health issues and treatment options, contact your local Ohio State University Extension office.