One of the most destructive invasive insects in the United States has been detected in three more Oregon counties this summer, which could be bad news for the state’s ash trees.
Federal and state officials said Monday the emerald ash borer, known for killing 99% of Michigan’s ash trees and killing thousands more across the East Coast, has been detected in Yamhill, Clackamas and Marion counties.
The small metallic-green beetle, native to eastern Asia, was first found in Oregon in Forest Grove in June 2022. Since then, extensive testing has taken place to attempt to limit the species damage in Oregon.
“No state has been able to eradicate EAB, so since its first detection in Forest Grove, we have expected it to eventually show up in new parts of Oregon,” said Cody Holthouse, the compliance and regulatory manager at the Oregon Department of Forestry. “That’s why folks from collaborating agencies have been methodically surveying for the insect, setting out traps beyond the known infestation area and training people to know the signs and symptoms of infestation. That definitely helps us learn where the insect is spreading.”