Published: 2/28/2018 12:14:04 AM
Modified: 3/1/2018 9:37:39 AM
Montpelier — A destructive forest insect from Asia has been detected in northern Orange County, Vermont state officials announced on Tuesday.
The emerald ash borers overwinter as larvae under the bark of ash trees, and once infested, the tree dies in three to five years, according to a news release issued by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health and Inspection Service confirmed the identification of the beetle that was found in Orange.
“The emerald ash borer threatens white ash, green ash and black ash in Vermont and could have significant ecological and economic impacts,” the release states. “There are no proven means to control EAB in forested areas, though individual trees can sometimes be effectively treated.”
The pest first was found in Michigan in 2002. Infestations have been detected in 30 states and three Canadian provinces.
State and federal forest officials are working to implement an emergency plan to respond to the discovery. In addition, officials will launch a survey in the coming days to determine the extent of the emerald ash borer’s infestation, the release states.
“Slowing the spread of EAB is very important,” the release sates. “While adult EAB are capable of flying short distances, humans have accelerated spread by moving infested material, particularly firewood, long distances.”
A public meeting is in the works, and more information will be released when available.