--- title: "Is the Emerald Ash Borer Still in Ohio? Status for 2026" description: "Is the emerald ash borer still in Ohio? Yes. See what OSU Extension, USDA APHIS and the Kentucky Division of Forestry say about EAB in 2026." url: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/emerald-ash-borer-status-ohio-kentucky publisher: Cincinnati Stump Grinding phone: +1-513-587-6772 quote: https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact --- # Is the emerald ash borer still in Ohio and Kentucky? Yes. Ohio State University Extension wrote in July 2026 that emerald ash borer is still present in Ohio forests and landscapes, infesting new ash seedlings and resprouting ash. The Kentucky Division of Forestry reported EAB in 103 counties in its 2022 report. USDA APHIS lists infestations in 38 States. GuideUpdated October 26, 20264 min read ## Still in Ohio OSU Extension, July 2026: EAB is still present in forests and landscapes, infesting new ash seedlings and resprouting ash. ## Kentucky: 103 counties The Kentucky Division of Forestry confirmed EAB in 103 counties as of its 2022 report. ## 38 States USDA APHIS says it has detected EAB infestations in 38 States and the District of Columbia. ## No federal quarantine APHIS removed its domestic EAB quarantine regulations in 2020. The final rule took effect January 14, 2021. Many people search for “is the emerald ash borer still in Ohio” after they see a dead ash tree or a stump with shoots. The short answer is yes. This guide shows what three official sources say as of October 2026: Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, USDA APHIS and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. ## Is the emerald ash borer still in Ohio? Yes. OSU Extension published “Emerald Ash Borer Still Infesting Trees” on July 1, 2026. The author says that although the initial infestation wave has long passed, the beetle is still present in forests and landscapes. It infests new ash seedlings and resprouting ash. OSU also says that lingering ash trees are at risk, and that trees once protected by insecticides could be at risk if treatment stops. An earlier OSU article, “Is Emerald Ash Borer on the Rebound in Ohio?” (June 14, 2023), sets out why. After most large ash died, beetle numbers crashed, but they never went to zero. By 2023, OSU saw multi-stemmed ash in southwest Ohio losing stems to the beetle, with dieback speeding up. Its stated lesson: “The first lesson learned is that like Chestnut blight, EAB will be with us for years to come.” If you want to know what those multi-stemmed trees are, read [dead ash tree stumps](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/dead-ash-tree-stump). The glossary entry for [bush ash](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/bush-ash) gives a short definition. ## When did EAB arrive in Ohio and Kentucky? The timeline below uses only dates the three sources give. Date Event Source 2002 First detected in North America, in southeast Michigan USDA APHIS 2007 Confirmed in Hamilton County, Ohio OSU Extension 2009 First confirmed in Kentucky Kentucky Division of Forestry April 2014 Kentucky county quarantine ends and the whole state is added to the APHIS regulated list Kentucky Division of Forestry 2020 APHIS removes domestic EAB quarantine regulations USDA APHIS January 2021 The APHIS final rule takes effect USDA APHIS, Kentucky Division of Forestry 2022 EAB confirmed in four new Kentucky counties: Allen, Butler, Ohio and Union Kentucky Division of Forestry July 2026 OSU Extension says EAB is still present in Ohio OSU Extension OSU says Ohio was “very close to the epicenter” of the infestation. For more local detail, see the post on the [southwest Ohio timeline](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/blog/emerald-ash-borer-in-southwest-ohio-timeline). The [emerald ash borer](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/emerald-ash-borer) glossary entry has a short definition. ## Where is EAB now? The beetle is in a large part of the country. USDA APHIS says it has detected EAB infestations in 38 States and the District of Columbia. The agency’s page was last modified on April 23, 2026. APHIS also keeps an interactive map of known infested counties on its site. For Kentucky, the 2022 Forest Health Highlights report from the Kentucky Division of Forestry says EAB has been confirmed in 103 Kentucky counties. It says the beetle will eventually impact ash across the entire state as the infestation spreads into western Kentucky. This report covers 2022. Newer counts may exist, so check with the Division of Forestry. OSU Extension notes that the beetle also needs a food source. EAB can develop in white fringetree and cultivated olives, but ash is the main host. OSU names green and black ash as the most susceptible and says white ash still sees 80 to 90 percent mortality. ## Is there still a quarantine? Not a federal one. USDA APHIS removed its domestic EAB quarantine regulations in 2020. The final rule was effective January 14, 2021. The Kentucky Division of Forestry says its county quarantine system ended in April 2014, when the whole state went on the APHIS list of regulated areas. APHIS still asks people not to help the beetle travel. It says people contribute to long-distance spread when they move EAB-infested ash firewood, logs or nursery stock. It advises buying only local firewood or certified heat-treated firewood. This guide does not cover local rules on moving wood from a tree job. Ask the person who removes the tree how the wood will be handled. ## What should I do if I have an ash tree? First, look at the tree. USDA APHIS lists dead branches in the crown, excessive branching on the trunk, vertical bark cracks and more woodpecker activity as possible signs. OSU adds D-shaped exit holes. These signs can have other causes. Do not assume the cause. You can also ask a local extension office. 1. **Check the signs.** Compare the tree with the list in the [ash tree and emerald ash borer pillar](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/ash-trees-emerald-ash-borer-stumps). 2. **Report it if you suspect EAB.** APHIS has a report form and a phone line, 1-866-322-4512. 3. **Ask about treatment early.** OSU says treatment works only if the tree is not too far gone. Once a tree is about 30 percent defoliated, effectiveness goes down. Larger trees need injection by a professional. APHIS points to your local Cooperative Extension agent. Follow all label instructions, because OSU says the label is the law. 4. **Plan for removal if needed.** Removal and stump work are separate steps. Read [tree removal versus stump grinding prices](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/tree-removal-vs-stump-grinding-prices) before you compare quotes. 5. **Ask about the stump.** A dead ash can send up shoots. See [will a stump grow back](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/will-a-stump-grow-back). This site does not diagnose trees. An ISA Certified Arborist can inspect your ash and tell you what they see. ## What about ash on the tree lawn? If the ash stands between the sidewalk and the street, check with your city first. In Cincinnati, Parks Urban Forestry oversees tree maintenance in public rights-of-way. See [who owns the stump on the tree lawn](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/who-owns-the-stump-on-the-tree-lawn) and the glossary entry for [tree lawn](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tree-lawn). ## Next step When a dead ash stump is left in your yard in Dayton, Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, the [stump grinding service page](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/services/stump-grinding) explains the work. Call (513) 587-6772 or [send photos for a free estimate](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/contact). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the emerald ash borer still in Ohio? Yes. Ohio State University Extension wrote on July 1, 2026 that the initial infestation wave has long passed, but the beetle is still present in forests and landscapes, infesting new ash seedlings and resprouting ash. OSU also says protected trees could be at risk if treatment stops. ### Is the emerald ash borer in Kentucky? Yes. The Kentucky Division of Forestry says infestations were first confirmed in Kentucky in 2009. Its 2022 Forest Health Highlights report says EAB has been confirmed in 103 Kentucky counties and will eventually impact ash across the entire state. ### Is there still an EAB quarantine? Not a federal one. USDA APHIS removed its domestic EAB quarantine regulations in 2020. The final rule took effect January 14, 2021. Kentucky's county quarantine system ended in April 2014. APHIS still asks people not to move ash firewood, logs or nursery stock. ### How do I report a suspected EAB tree? USDA APHIS has an online report form and a phone line at 1-866-322-4512. APHIS says that if you think you have seen the pest or ash tree damage from an EAB infestation, you should use the form. The agency also lists woodpecker activity as a possible sign. ### Can an ash tree be saved? Sometimes. OSU Extension says treatment is available if the tree is not too far gone, but effectiveness goes down once a tree is about 30 percent defoliated. Follow the product label. APHIS suggests asking your local Cooperative Extension agent if you are considering treatment. ## Terms on this page - [ISA Certified Arborist](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/isa-certified-arborist) - [Emerald ash borer](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/emerald-ash-borer) - [Stump grinding](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/stump-grinding) - [Urban forestry](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/urban-forestry) - [Tree removal](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tree-removal) - [Resprouting](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/resprouting) - [Tree lawn](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/tree-lawn) - [Ash tree](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/ash-tree) - [Bush ash](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/glossary/bush-ash) ## Sources 1. [Ohio State University BYGL: Emerald Ash Borer Still Infesting Trees](https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2655) 2. [Ohio State University BYGL: Is Emerald Ash Borer on the Rebound in Ohio?](https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2166) 3. [USDA APHIS: Emerald Ash Borer](https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-pests-diseases/eab) 4. [Kentucky Division of Forestry: Forest Health Highlights 2022](https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/forest-health/Documents/FHH_2022_KDF_FINAL.pdf) Written by Cincinnati Stump Grinding and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act. ## Keep reading - [Emerald ash borer in Ohio, and what it means for the ash stump in your yardEmerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that kills ash trees. Ohio State University Extension says it was confirmed in Hamilton County in 2007. EAB kills only the above-ground part of an ash, so a dead ash stump can send up new shoots, called bush ash. Those shoots can be attacked again.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/ash-trees-emerald-ash-borer-stumps) - [What to do with a dead ash tree stumpA dead ash tree stump can send up new shoots because emerald ash borer kills only the above-ground part of the tree. Ohio State University Extension calls the multi-stemmed regrowth bush ash. The new stems can be attacked again. Your options are to leave the stump, ask about shoots, or have it ground.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/dead-ash-tree-stump) - [Emerald Ash Borer in Southwest Ohio: A Timeline to 2026Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Hamilton County in 2007, according to Ohio State University Extension. Ash trees died quickly, beetle numbers crashed, and dead stumps sent up shoots called bush ash from 2008. OSU Extension reported in 2023 and again in 2026 that the beetle is back and still infesting trees.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/blog/emerald-ash-borer-in-southwest-ohio-timeline) - [Tree removal vs stump grinding prices: why quotes list them apartTree removal and stump grinding are separate jobs, and a standard tree removal quote does not include grinding. Angi's 2026 guide says grinding is an extra charge, and bundling with one company may save a trip. Ask for each job as its own line on the quote.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/tree-removal-vs-stump-grinding-prices) - [Who owns the stump on the tree lawn, and who grinds it?It depends on the town. Cincinnati takes a 311 request for stumps of city-maintained trees. Wyoming says the city grinds them. Milford and Hamilton name the property owner. Covington and Fort Thomas require city permission to remove a street tree. Read your city page before you hire anyone.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/who-owns-the-stump-on-the-tree-lawn) - [Will a tree stump grow back after it is cut or ground?It can. Iowa State Extension says some stumps resprout after a tree is cut, and Purdue says roots can act as energy storage for sprouts. Ohio State describes dead ash stumps that regrew as multi-stemmed bush ash. Cut sprouts early and follow the product label for any herbicide.](https://cincystump.multisites.ai/guides/will-a-stump-grow-back)