Worthing, SD — There’s another reminder that the pest that’s been devastating the ash tree population in the United States is almost literally next door to our area.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has confirmed that an infestation of emerald ash borer (EAB) has been discovered in Worthing, South Dakota. This May, an infestation was reported near Canton, South Dakota, which is right across the Big Sioux River from Lyon County. Both communities are in South Dakota’s Lincoln County. In 2018, the first confirmed infestation in South Dakota was identified in Sioux Falls. Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees in at least 32 states. Its presence was confirmed in Iowa ten years ago.
EAB has also been confirmed to our south and east in Cherokee and Buena Vista counties, and there are unconfirmed reports that it is in southeastern O’Brien County.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says adult emerald ash borer beetles live on the outside of trees and feed on the leaves during the summer months, while the larvae feed on the living plant tissue underneath the bark. The tunneling and feeding activity of the larvae is what ultimately kills trees. EAB attacks trees of any size, age, or stage of health, and trees can die within two years of infestation.
