Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect from Asia that has decimated ash populations across the country, with the tiny insects laying eggs whose larvae then feed on the living tissue underneath the bark, resulting in the tree’s slow death. 

This is the third sighting in Buncombe County, with the insect already found in 25 North Carolina counties including Graham, Madison and Swain. The entire state is under an emerald ash borer quarantine, prohibiting movement of ash plant parts, the insect itself, ash nursery stock and all hardwood firewood into non-quarantined areas such as South Carolina or central Tennessee. 

For more information, visit www.emeraldashborer.info, and report suspected infestations to the N.C. Forest Health Branch at 1.800.206.9333 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..