DALTON, Mass. — State environmental officials say the invasive, tree-killing emerald ash borer is spreading faster than anticipated within Berkshire County and now poses a greater threat to eastern Massachusetts.
Nearly 18 months after the Department of Conservation and Recreation first detected it in Dalton, the metallic green beetle has been discovered in several neighboring communities.
Ken Gooch, the state’s Forest Health program supervisor, tells The Berkshire Eagle it’s spreading faster than expected.
The insect has also been detected in North Andover.
The state quarantined Berkshire wood in a bid to limit the spread of the bugs.
Emerald ash borer larvae feed just below the bark and adults eat the leaves, killing a tree within five years.
Originally from Asia, the insects have been detected in 22 states.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
EditorialsOur View: Abuse of election workers is an attack on democracy
-
Columnists
Maine Compass: University of Maine System’s leadership has lost its checks and balances
-
Opinion
Today’s editorial cartoon
-
Columnists
Community Compass: June 14 broadband vote is about preparing Readfield for the future
-
Movie Review J.P. Devine
‘Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy’ back with season 2
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.