North Shore Residents Warned Of Invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — The Swampscott Tree Committee is urging North Shore residents to be on the lookout for an invasive insect species that is damaging and killing ash trees.

The Emerald Ash Borer beetle, a species native to Asia, began attacking ash trees in the state about a decade ago, and as of this year has been detected in 239 communities, including several in Essex County.

The boring beetles lead to several types of damage that can destroy ash trees.

These include blonding — which is a stripping of the bark caused by woodpeckers seeking beetle larvae — tiny, D-shaped exit holes, serpentine larvae tunnels under the bark and portions of the tree that appear dead with sprouting underneath.

Those who spot the bugs, or find widespread damage to trees, are asked to report it to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

If a beetle can be captured, preserve the insect if possible by placing it in the freezer or in a jar with rubbing alcohol. If not, take a photo of the beetle and/or tree damage and submit it here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)