The latest infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer has been found in Batavia, having been identified in the Batavia Industrial Park in the far northeast area of Batavia.

The infestation of more than 40 trees was discovered by an employee of Kramer Tree Specialists Inc. while responding to a customer inquiry.

The discovery was reported to Batavia city staff and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. After confirmation by the IDOA, they responded immediately with a survey team to identify the limits of the visible infestation.

EAB is an invasive species wood boring beetle, native to China and eastern Asia, which targets ash trees. EAB probably arrived in North America hidden in wood packing materials commonly used to ship consumer and other goods. It was first detected in July 2002, in southeastern Michigan, and since has been found in Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia and Illinois.

The first case in Illinois was detected in June of 2006 in the Campton Township area of Kane County, Wilmette and Evanston.

 Since the emerald ash borer was first confirmed in the Midwest in the summer of 2002, more than 20 million ash trees have died.

This latest discovery is the 12th confirmed EAB site within Kane County. Since Batavia falls within the current quarantine zone that covers all of Kane County, the IDOA will not make changes to the boundary of the quarantine. At this point city officials do not know how much farther the infestation will reach, but emphasize how important community participation is in fighting the battle against the emerald ash borer.

City officials will promptly respond to all suspected sightings of the EAB.

Large posters with color photos are on display at Batavia City Hall and the Public Works building at 200 N. Raddant Road. In addition, residents are encouraged to visit www.emeraldashborer.info or www.cityofbatavia.net to view photographs of the insect and learn more about the EAB’s life cycle.

It is important for the residents of Batavia to be diligent in inspecting their Ash trees for this pest. If residents suspect they have found an adult or larval form of this insect, freeze the insect and bring it to the City of Batavia Street Department at 200 N. Raddant Road for identification or contact the City of Batavia Street Department at (630) 879-1424, Ext. 301, or e-mail shaines@cityofbatavia.net.

Residents can also call the Illinois Department of Agriculture toll-free hotline at (800) 641-3934.