Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Wagoner County

What this means

A factual summary is pending editorial review. The complete official release is reproduced below with issuer attribution and a direct link to the original publication.

Official release

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed in Wagoner County

04.28.2026

Press Release

The invasive Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in Wagoner County by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

The invasive insect is known for killing all species of ash trees in North America. Wagoner County joins Carter, Choctaw, Delaware, Love, McCurtain, Murray and Pushmataha counties with confirmed EAB cases.

EAB lays eggs in the cracks of ash trees and the larvae burrow into the tree and feed on the inner bark. Larvae emerge as adults in the spring and remain active until the end of summer.

“Emerald ash borer threatens Oklahoma native ash populations, said Dieter Rudolph, Forest Health Specialist for Oklahoma Forestry Services. “These trees are most prominent around our lakes and waterways and are common in our state parks, but we can slow the spread of this invasive pest and potentially stop future invasive pests from establishing in Oklahoma by buying and burning local firewood.”

EAB is present in 35 States and is spreading. EAB can fly up to 10 miles per year and traditionally travel on firewood. Do your part to protect Oklahoma’s ash trees and burn firewood where you buy it.

EAB is the primary cause of our nation’s extensive ash decline. Since its discovery, EAB has killed tens of millions of ash trees and has cost municipalities, property owners, nursery operators and forest products industries tens of millions of dollars.

If you see Emerald Ash Borers, immediately notify OKForest@ag.ok.gov and include photos.

Release text attributed to Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.