EAB Infestation Map

Below is the current map of emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation across North America. Mississippi was added on Nov. 14, 2025. EAB is now present in 38 states and six Canadian provinces. An up-to-date map is available on our website.

Happy New Year from the EAB Information Network!

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Beneath the Bark, and we’re glad to have you with us. We’ll continue sharing updates on EAB and other invasive species, along with rolling out updates to the EAB Information Network website throughout the year. If you haven’t already, follow us on Bluesky for timely updates. Thanks for letting us into your inbox each month!

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Sheila Babbitt

Communications Manager

MSU and Real Christmas Tree Board Offer Winter Webinar Series

Registration is open for two Christmas tree winter webinar series from the Real Christmas Tree Board and Michigan State University Extension. Topics include Phytophthora root rot, genetic improvement, herbicide resistance, cold acclimation, invasive insect updates and soil health. Live participation is required to earn restricted use pesticide credits in several states.

Real Christmas Tree Board 2026 Winter Webinar Series

Jan. 20 and Jan. 22, 2026

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

MSU Christmas Tree Winter Webinar Series

February 5th, 13th, 19th, 26th

12:30 to 2 p.m. ET

Recent EAB News

Evaluating fungi for EAB control

University of Minnesota researchers identified several fungal species that were lethal to adult EAB beetles in laboratory studies. Field tests are planned to assess transmission of fungi from infected to healthy beetles and beetle mortality rates. Minnesota studies on fungi to control EAB.

Other News

Spotted Lanternflies May Taste Bad to Birds, Penn State Study Finds

Penn State researchers report that spotted lanternflies feeding on tree of heaven may become distasteful to birds, potentially deterring predation. The study, published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology, notes the role of birds in controlling lanternfly populations remains uncertain.

Elm Zigzag Sawfly Found Feeding on Japanese Zelkova

Research by Kelly Oten (a recent EABU speaker!) and the U.S. Forest Service shows the elm zigzag sawfly can feed on Japanese zelkova, an ornamental tree previously thought to be resistant. Observations in Ohio confirmed larvae, pupation and adult emergence on zelkova planted near infested elms.

Maine Deploys Beetles to Fight Invasive Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Hemlock woolly adelgid continues spreading in Maine’s Midcoast, killing eastern hemlocks. Landowners and the Maine Forest Service are releasing beetles that prey on the adelgid to slow its inland expansion. Results will take several years to evaluate.

U.S. border officers intercept new, 'potentially destructive' bark beetle in Detroit

U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a potentially harmful bark beetle, Ctonoxylon spinifer, at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. According to CBP records, this species had never before been intercepted at a U.S. port of entry. Many bark beetles are invasive and can destroy trees, highlighting the importance of inspecting imported organic materials.

Bees Turn Spotted Lanternfly Honeydew Into Seasonal Honey

Bees are turning spotted lanternfly honeydew into honey. The late-summer and fall honey is darker, sometimes smoky or savory, and safe to eat. While it provides a seasonal boost for hives, entomologists still urge residents to control lanternfly populations.

Michigan proposes ban on out-of-state firewood to combat invasive pests

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is proposing a state-wide ban on out-of-state firewood to help slow the spread of invasive pests and plant diseases.