The Emerald Ash Borer is a non-native beetle that has begun infesting Ash trees in northern Illinois . The larva of the beetle feeds on the tree’s outer sapwood, cutting off the flow of water up the tree resulting in the death of the tree. Infestations have been found in Kane County and northern Cook County .

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The Emerald Ash Borer, or EAB, is an insect that infests Ash trees. The larva of the EAB feeds on the pulpwood under the bark of the Ash tree, cutting off the supply of water and nutrients to the tree. Eventually, an infested tree will die due to this lack of nutrients.

What is the “Quarantine Zone” I keep hearing about?

The North Cook County Quarantine Zone is an area where material from Ash trees is regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA). The IDA regulations state that no regulated Ash material can be transport outside of the quarantine zone from April 30th to September 1st. A map of the quarantine zone can be found on the IDA’s website at www.IllinoisEAB.com.

What is “Regulated Ash Material”?

Regulated Ash Material is any woody material from Ash trees that has not been processed to effectively destroy the EAB. Processing may include grinding the material to a size that is less than 1 inch in two dimensions. O nce the material has been processed it becomes unregulated material and can be transported out of the quarantine zone.