Ash Borer Detected in Maryland County

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The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has confirmed the presence of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Howard County. This is the first time since 2008 that EAB has been found outside of the quarantine area. The Howard County detection, made by an arborist who participated in the University of Maryland Extension Invasive Species training program, was discovered on June 6 and confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on June 8.

MDA has updated the quarantine to 1) include Howard County, 2) drop the Infested Area in Charles and Prince George's Counties, and 3) remove the Eradication Zone. The revised quarantine order now covers all of Charles, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. The new quarantine prohibits anyone from moving ash trees or any hardwood firewood out of Prince George’s, Charles and Howard counties until further notice.

“MDA revised the emerald ash borer quarantine to secure Howard County and help us to conduct activities there to assess the situation,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “It is early in the emerald ash borer season. Given the high prevalence of ash trees in Maryland, we may discover additional infested areas outside the quarantine areas and will update the quarantine as necessary.”

This year, MDA deployed nearly 2,600 purple triangular insect traps in trees statewide to determine the presence of EAB. Two of these traps in Howard County have also turned up adult EAB. Targeted delimiting surveys in Howard County will start officially the week of June 23. Property owners in the affected area are being notified by mail that survey teams will be working in their area.

“The existence of the EAB in central Maryland was not entirely unexpected, given the high prevalence of ash trees in Howard County,” said MDA Plant Protection and Weed Management Program Manager, Carol Holko. “We are continuing to assess the situation, and assembling a team to work with the USDA Emerald Ash Borer Science Panel and Management Team to determine the best course of action.”

Isolated incidents of EAB are not necessarily indicative of an outbreak or cause for drastic measures. MDA and other agencies will be monitoring the situation carefully and determining the proper response in cooperation with USDA, DNR, Maryland Extension, Howard County officials, and others.