Emerald Ash Borer Added to the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act

We want residents to know that Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was added to the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act, which will restrict the importation, purchase, sale, disposal, transportation, transplanting, or distribution of an infested item or pest, and will be enforceable once Emerald Ash Borer is included under the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation (PNCR) which will take place in the coming months.

Emerald Ash Borers (Agrilus planipennis) are metallic green beetles, roughly twice the size of a grain of rice. 8.5-14mm long and 3-3.5mm wide. Larvae chew their way through the cambium layer of a living trees' bark, creating an s-shaped zigzag patten behind that prevents the tree from accessing water and nutrients. When enough larvae chew these tunnels, the tree can become girdled and die quickly. Look for adult beetles on tree leaves, a D-shaped hole in the bark, and yellowing or wilting of ash trees. 

Currently Alberta is EAB free, but if residents suspect EAB on their Ash trees, please contact the Agriculture Department at agriculture@parklandcounty.com or 780-968-8467