(Des Moines)--Emerald ash borer has been found in Dickinson and Humboldt counties for the first time. The invasive, ash tree-killing insect from Asia has now been confirmed in all but eight of Iowa’s 99 counties since its original detection in 2010.

EAB larvae were collected by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship staff just outside the eastern city limits of Arnolds Park in Dickinson County and rural Dakota City in Humboldt County. Federal identification confirmed the samples positive for EAB.    

The adult beetles of this insect feed on ash leaves, causing very little damage. It is the cumulative damage by larval feeding on the inner bark that eventually kills ash trees. The feeding cuts off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, typically killing a tree within two to four years. EAB is a significant threat to all native ash species.

KILR News will have more on the discovery of Emeral Ash Borer Dickinson County tomorrow at 7:05 am.