Highly malignant beetles are traced by New Jersey officials in three countries

The emerald ash borer is a small beetle of a metallic green color that is considered extremely unsafe for ash trees everywhere.

It is of the utmost importance that authorities implement stricter measures in order to prevent the Emerald Ash Borer from spreading any further, because if the situation remains as it is now, the vicious ash tree killer will spread all throughout the country by the end of the decade.

A news release from the Iowa Agriculture Department said Wednesday that the emerald ash borers were confirmed in Fort Madison. The ash tree can survive for about five years when it is infested with by the insects.

The state has set up traps in ash trees to track EAB’s potential spread in 27 Burlington County towns, three in Camden County, eight in Hunterdon County, 10 in Mercer County, 11 in Middlesex County, two in Monmouth County, three in Morris County, 15 in Somerset County, and eight in Union County.

Experts have been encouraging residents and municipal officials from several towns to go to the emeraldashborer.nj.gov and learn the best methods to protect the ash trees from the emerald ash borer, and how to deal with dying trees.

An “invasive” and “highly destructive” beetle has been reportedly found in three New Jersey counties, the state’s department of agriculture reported Monday.

EAB first turned up in Somerset County in May 2014.

The agriculture department recommends not moving firewood, a vehicle for movement of tree-killing forest pests, including emerald ash borer.

D-shaped holes in the ash tree’s bark about 1/8 of an inch in size. The females lay eggs on the trees’ bark and the larvae bore into the tree seeking fluid.

Studies show that it is both financially and environmentally more beneficial to treat ash trees than to cut them down. The beetles are now present in 25 US states and two Canadian provinces, according to the Department of Agriculture report. Homeowners will see a risk map and treatment options, and woodland owners will find a list of companies that will accept ash.

Report signs of the beetle to 609-406-6939.