Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

Emerald Ash Borer – Survey

2021 Survey Results & Information

Overview: LDAF, Office of Forestry, oversees an annual trapping survey for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis every year. This year’s survey consisted of 50 traps outside of the current ten parish quarantine. The survey was conducted over a four month period from March to July. Traps are analyzed at the midpoint and conclusion of the adult flight period. Any potential EAB specimens are collected and sent to a specialist for official confirmation. EAB poses a major threat to Louisiana’s ash trees and businesses that rely on ash for consumer products. 

Map: EAB was first confirmed in Webster Parish, Louisiana in the summer of 2015. It has since been confirmed in nine other parishes in north Louisiana.

Notification: Once EAB is confirmed in a new parish, LDAF imposes a quarantine for that parish.  This aims to slow the spread of EAB by restricting movement of ash timber and all hardwood firewood outside of that parish unless treated by an approved method.

Conclusion: EAB has had devastating effects on ash trees throughout its path and the same is expected as it moves throughout Louisiana.  Research is currently being done to look for genetically resistant ash and predator species that could help control the EAB.

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