Tree-Killing Beetle Found Near Cheshire

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced these findings on Friday:

State officials today announced that the emerald ash borer was detected in Prospect on July 16 by staff members at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

This is the first record of the beetle in Connecticut, which is added to 15 other states where infestations have been detected. A new probable site of infestation is also  located in the Naugatuck State Forest. The beetle identification is unconfirmed. The emerald ash borer is responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees from the mid-west to New York State and south to Tennessee.  Ash trees makes up about 4% to 15% of Connecticut’s forests and are a common urban tree. 

“The detection of the emerald ash borer in Prospect and probably in Naugatuck reaffirms that statewide surveys for this pest were necessary,” said Louis A. Magnarelli, director of CAES. 

“We expected to find the beetle in areas of Connecticut across from infestations in Dutchess County, New York; however, the (bettle) has great flight potential and can travel in infested wood moved by people.  This pest attacks all species of ash trees.  Our immediate goals are to determine how extensive the Connecticut infestation is, notify residents in the Prospect and Naugatuck area, and implement strategies to slow the spread of the insect.”

“This is a disturbing discovery and one that has the potential for great environmental harm in the state,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.  “Connecticut has more than 22 million ash trees.  The presence of (the beetle) here could have a devastating effect on the beauty of our forests, state and local parks and neighborhoods, as well as the state’s wood product industries. 

It is unknown how the (beetle) entered Prospect or Naugatuck. Movement of infested firewood is a high risk activity that can spread the beetle over long distances.  Prior to the pest’s discovery in Prospect, the closest known infestation to Connecticut is in eastern New York near the Hudson River.

Click here for more information about the beetle.