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Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that kills all types of healthy ash trees. The insect was discovered in York Region in 2008 and the City of Toronto a year earlier. While the Emerald Ash Borer poses no risk to human health, it is a significant threat to our forests.

York Region is working co-operatively with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Ministry of Natural Resources, conservation authorities and local municipalities to monitor the spread of this invasive insect and determine the best course of action to help manage its impact.

Unlike the Asian Longhorned Beetle, which was discovered in the City of Vaughan in 2003, eradication is not an option for the Emerald Ash Borer.

To help control the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has placed restrictions on the movement of all firewood and ash tree materials in York Region and other affected areas. The insect is generally spread through the movement of infested firewood, nursery stock and forest products.

York Region is placing approximately 250 insect traps in ash trees across southern York Region to help determine the extent of the infestation. As of May 2011, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Richmond Hill have confirmed infestations of the Emerald Ash Borer.

Bright green prism-style traps are being placed in mature ash trees approximately four to five metres above the ground in the following areas:

  • Northern portions of the City of Vaughan, Town of Richmond Hill and Town of Markham
  • Southern portions of the Township of King and Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
  • Town of Aurora and Town of Newmarket
The prism traps are placed one kilometre apart to provide an optimal survey area. They have an adhesive on the outside surface with a chemical on the inside to attract the EAB.

Signs will be placed in areas where the traps are located. York Region asks residents to avoid contact with the traps as the chemicals can cause mild skin irritation. Disturbing the traps will also negatively affect the survey results.

Residents concerned about the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer can find more information at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website www.inspection.gc.ca/pests or call their toll-free number at 1-866-463-6017. Please note that the phone line is automated and staff will return calls.

External Resources

For more information and updates, visit the following websites:

York Region's Media Release
News Articles