Emerald Ash Borer found near Des Moines

(Click on photo for larger image)

Emerald Ash Borer has been positively identified in a residential tree in Dallas County.

"This finding is the closest to Polk County and Iowa's capital city to date" said Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardships EAB Coordinator Mike Kintner. 

21 Iowa counties now have confirmed EAB infestations. Allamakee County was the first county in Iowa where EAB was found, but none of its neighboring counties have had EAB infestations so far.

"We still strongly urge Iowans to not move firewood long distances," said State Entomologist Robin Pruisner of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. "A large portion of Iowa is not showing signs of EAB infestation; let's keep those areas EAB-free as long as possible by not moving wood that potentially harbors EAB or other tree pests."