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APHIS Removes EAB Quarantine Regulations

By Stein Tree
Posted in , ,
Posted on March 10, 2021

March 10, 2021 – The United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an organization that is part of the Department of Agriculture, has removed emerald ash borer (EAB) quarantine regulations. APHIS originally proposed deregulation in 2018, and the proposal was open for public comments for some time. APHIS published a ruling to eliminate federal domestic EAB quarantine regulations on December 15, 2020, and the ruling became effective on January 14, 2021. The removed regulations are related to APHIS’s domestic regulatory actions, such as issuing permits, making site visits, and conducting investigations of suspected violations.

Inspect for Emerald Ash Borer infestation - Stein Tree Service - 1000

APHIS noted that the domestic quarantine “has not proven effective in stopping [EAB] spread.” The agency also stated that they would focus on identifying “more effective and less intrusive methods and will direct available resources toward non-regulatory options for management and containment of the pest, such as rearing and releasing biological control agents.” Some people and organizations opposed the proposal, feeling that the EAB quarantine helped bring awareness of the problem and kept the invasive species from spreading even more quickly. As a result, residents in states affected by EAB will need to be more vigilant in watching for signs of EAB on their properties and continue to raise awareness.

Signs of Emerald Ash Borer Presence

While regular inspections are recommended, homeowners can keep an eye out for these signs of infestation. If a homeowner notes any of these issues, they are advised to call a certified arborist or tree care specialist to treat the pest as soon as possible.

  • Thinning leaves at the top of the tree
  • S-shaped galleries under the bark
  • D-shaped exit holes
  • Splitting bark
  • Excessive sprouting around base of tree
  • Unusual woodpecker presence

Licensed vendors, such as Stein Tree Service, will sometimes need to use chemical applications to treat EAB and perform tree removal.

About Stein Tree Service

Stein Tree Service is the oldest independently owned tree service company in Delaware. The company has been serving residents and businesses in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland since 1983. Stein Tree Service is licensed to treat for emerald ash borer in Pennsylvania and Delaware. For more information about available services or the EAB quarantine, contact Stein Tree Service at 302-478-3511 or visit their website directly at www.steintree.com.

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