The Emerald Ash Borer
 The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive insect that kills all types of 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.
- Emerald Ash Borer Q&A -
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 conducts extensive surveying for the insect using green "prism" style traps and has confirmed infestations in the following municipalities:
- Town of Aurora
- Town of Markham
- Town of Richmond Hill
- City of Vaughan
- Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
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Township of King
As part of the Region's approved Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan, the Region will continue to monitor the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. The plan advocates an active approach to slow the spread of the insect, minimize environmental impacts, ease financial impacts and educate the public.
For more information about the Emerald Ash Borer and movement of wood products, please visit 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.
2012 Emerald Ash Borer Monitoring Survey:
York Region will be implementing a monitoring survey during the months of June, July and August to track the spread of EAB throughout the Region. The survey will involve the placement of 250 green prism style traps in the following municipalities:
• Northern portions of the Township of King and Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville
• Town of Aurora, Town of Newmarket, Town of East Gwillimbury and Town of Georgina
Location Map for the 2012 EAB Survey
The green prism traps will be installed in mature ash trees along roads and in parks. 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 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 can report damaged traps by call 1-877-464-9675 extension 5364.
York Region would like to thank residents for their co-operation as this survey work is completed.
Additional resources:
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