Tree-Killing Beetle Spotted In Bridgewater

An invasive beetle called the emerald ash borer has been found active in five New Jersey towns, two of which are located in Somerset County.

Some plants located in Hillsborough and Bridgewater are reportedly infected with the tree-killing insect, according to nj.com.

Emerald ash borers are metallic green in color and about a half-inch long by one-eighth inch wide - no larger than a penny.

The beetles kill ash trees when they lay their eggs on the tree’s bark and hatched larvae bore into it. The tree dies three to five years later, according to My Central Jersey.

To find out how you can monitor for emerald ash borers, click here.